The fifth and final T20 International between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad was already charged with tension, with the series on the line. Amidst the high stakes, a frightening moment briefly silenced the Narendra Modi Stadium when on-field umpire Rohan Pandit was struck down by a ferocious straight drive.

Before the drama unfolded, the focus was firmly on India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. In fine touch throughout the series, Samson was anchoring the innings with his trademark elegance. It was a milestone night for the Kerala batter, who crossed the 1,000-run mark in T20 Internationals during this very innings.

Also Read: Sanju Samson Enters the 1000-Run Club in T20Is

However, the mood shifted in the ninth over. Samson, looking to accelerate, drilled a full delivery from Donovan Ferreira straight back down the ground. The ball was travelling at bullet speed. Ferreira, in his follow-through, attempted to grab a difficult return catch. The ball burst through his hands, deflecting with significant force directly into the knee of umpire Rohan Pandit, who was standing at the non-striker's end.

Pandit, an experienced official who was elevated to the ICC International Panel in late 2023, was immediately seen wriggling in pain. This match marked his 12th appearance as an umpire in T20 Internationals, adding to his extensive experience in Indian domestic cricket. The 44-year-old Umpire tried to walk it off but eventually went down, halting play.

Medical staff from both teams rushed to the centre. In a display of sportsmanship, Indian substitute fielder Harshit Rana was seen offering fluids to the stricken umpire while the physios applied a cooling spray. Fortunately, after a few anxious minutes, Rohan Pandit was back on his feet, showing grit to continue officiating the rest of the high-octane contest.