Richa Ghosh suffers concussion during first T20I against South Africa

India women and South Africa women continued their ongoing multi-format series by facing off in the first T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, on Friday, July 5. Despite India women being in exceptional form, the day belonged to South Africa, as they managed to register their first win of the series. 

It was indeed a day to forget for the hosts as star player Richa Ghosh suffered a concussion on the field. The youngster was ruled out of the game due to the injury, with S. Sajana taking her place on the field. 

Playing her 50th T20I, Ghosh had symptoms of "neck pain and dizziness" as per a BCCI statement after she attempted a catch in the 16th over of the first innings. South Africa’s Tazmin Brits got a top edge, and as the ball went over to Ghosh, she made a big leap, trying to catch it. 

However, the ball rebounded off her gloves and into her face. She immediately went off the field after seeking the help of the physio. In the first innings, Uma Chetry came on as Ghosh’s substitute to keep the wickets. However, during the innings change, Sajana was announced as the official concussion substitute.

It is also worth noting that South Africa’s Tazmin Brits sustained an injury as well; she suffered a contusion in her right leg and had to be stretchered off the field in the second innings. What seemed like a cramp at first turned out to be something big.

Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Tazmin Brits' blazing knock, bowlers guide South Africa Women to victory in 1st T20I

Brits had a brilliant game, scoring 81 runs in 56 deliveries in the first innings. She batted for 92 minutes during the first innings, helping her side eventually register a dominant win against India when the odds looked stacked in her favour. Her injury saw South Africa announce Masabata Klaas as her replacement for the rest of the game. With the first T20I out of the way, India and South Africa women will focus on the next game. The second T20I will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, as well, on July 7.