DPL 2026: Umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj Hit In Face By powerful Shot, Rushed To ICU
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A painful incident unfolded during a Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 match between East Delhi Riders and New Delhi Tigers when on-field umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj was struck in the face by a powerful straight drive. The impact knocked him to the ground and he was later taken to hospital and admitted to the ICU, according to the information provided.
Umpire hit on face during 18th over
The incident occurred during the 18th over of New Delhi Tigers’ innings. Spinner Ashish Meena delivered the ball to batter Lakshya Thareja, who played a powerful straight drive towards the bowler.
The ball travelled back at high speed, leaving little time for either Meena or Bhardwaj to react. The umpire, positioned directly behind the bowler, could not move out of the way before the ball struck the right side of his face.
Bhardwaj immediately fell to the ground as players rushed towards him. Thareja, who played the shot, was also visibly distressed after seeing the umpire injured.
Medical team rushes to the field
The medical team was called onto the field immediately and first aid was administered. Bhardwaj was subsequently taken to hospital after his condition was assessed as serious.
The incident is particularly concerning as it was reportedly the second time Bhardwaj had been struck by a cricket ball during the ongoing season. He had earlier been hit on the shoulder in another match.
The latest incident, in which the ball struck him directly on the face, has since drawn attention after footage of the incident surfaced on social media.
East Delhi Riders win by 36 runs
The injury overshadowed the match result, with East Delhi Riders securing a 36-run victory over New Delhi Tigers.
East Delhi Riders posted 192/7 in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Mayank Rawat top-scored with an aggressive 40 off 23 balls.
Chasing 193, New Delhi Tigers were bowled out for 156 runs, handing the Riders a 36-run win.
However, the match was largely overshadowed by concern over umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj’s injury following the powerful shot.
