Riyan Parag L and Rahul Tewatia. Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Given that Rajasthan Royals needed only 134 runs to win a low scoring encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 18 of IPL 2021, Eoin Morgan's boys were well aware of their low score and wanted to start off in aggressive fashion. To keep the attacking intent from the start of the game, KKR pacer Pat Cummins tried a sharp bouncer to Jos Buttler in the second over. The ball eventually ended up in a hard blow to the latter's helmet. However, Buttler was lucky enough to escape a serious injury.
With RR got off to a decent start by not losing any wickets and scoring 11 runs by the fourth ball of the second over, Cummins decided to take on Butler and bowled him a length outside off. Butler wanted to pull away the ball but his timing was hopelessly slow and as a result, the ball fiercely struck Butler on his helmet. The RR Physio came out running as part of the concussion protocol and Butler was found to be safe. Following this, the wicketkeeper eventually returned to batting.
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With modern cricket being more competitive than ever. Even with the best of equipments the chances of suffering from a devastating injury can never be undermined. The latest of concussion victim was Indian all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja. He suffered from a late concussion after being struck on the helmet by Australian left-arm pacer Michell Starc in India's most recent tour against Australia.
The blow on the head can always be very frightening, although there are good quality helmets present to protect the batsman. Ever since Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes’ demise on the pitch due to concussion, the ICC and all the respective national governing bodies have made sure than no cricketer has to witness the same fate.