[WATCH] Ind vs sa 2025: umbire rohan pandit in pain as sanjuu hits samson drive on knee

The incident took place on the fourth ball of the ninth over when India were batting first in the final match of the series. After an eventful start to the over, where Tilak Varma had already hit a couple of boundaries, Samson looked to take the attack further to Ferreira and hit a full-length ball straight back towards the bowler. However, the bowler tried to grab the ball but failed as the ball took a hit on Pandit’s knee.

Soon, the physio of the Indian team rushed to the ground and administered healing treatment to the on-field umpire. Samson and other players on the field also checked to see if the referee was okay. After a short break, Pandit was back on his feet and the match resumed. However, concerns were raised about the safety of referees on the field as any physical blow could lead to serious injury.

Watch the video of the incident here

Notably, Samson played his first innings in the five-match series as a leg injury to Shubman Gill allowed him to make a comeback into the side. Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, the Kerala native was part of India’s most successful first-wicket partnership of the series, where the duo added 63 runs for the opening wicket.

Samson also surpassed Gill’s run tally in the series with just one appearance, when he hit a promising 22-ball 37 at Motera to put the Men in Blue in an impressive position to win the series.

Samson had been missing from the Playing XI for some time, with the vice-captain consistently backed to open despite poor form. The Indian team will play the 2026 T20 World Cup in a few months to defend their title, and so it will be interesting to see if Samson is prioritized to open over Gill. The preliminary roster for the 20-team event will be announced by BCCI on Saturday.

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