PAK vs NZ: CSK Hoping Rachin Ravindra is Okay After New Zealand All-Rounder Suffers Nasty Injury to Face

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) show concern after their all-rounder Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand suffered a nasty injury to his face on international duty ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Ravindra suffered a blow to his face when attempting a catch during the Tri-Series opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday (February 8).

The unfortunate injury occured when Ravindra attempted for a catch Kushdil Shah's lofted slog at deep square leg in the 37th over delivered by Michael Bracewell. The 25-year-old lost the ball in the floodlights at the newly renovated Lahore venue, and took a heavy blow to his face.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the youngster was struck on the forehead and was seen staring at the ground, apparently in a daze, as blood streamed down his face while medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to him.

The Gaddafi Stadium was stunned to silence as a stretcher was brought on, but was ultimately not required. Pakistan team doctor also rushed on to provide assistance to the New Zealand personnel.

Ravindra, however, was helped off the field with assistance from the medical staff after he laid down on the ground and received treatment for a few minutes. Ravindra held a towel on his head and left the field to a warm reception from the crowd.

Later, New Zealand Cricket issued a statement, confirming that Ravindra had suffered a forehead laceration, "but is otherwise well". The Black Caps also added that the all-rounder will be monitored under Head Injury Assesment

"Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over. He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes," a New Zealand Cricket statement read as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Like fans at the venue, Ravindra's IPL team CSK also were worried about the well-being of their all-rounder as they took to social media to say, "Sincerely hoping Rachin is okay" with fingers crossed emoji.

Ravindra was handed his first IPL contract in 2023 post the ODI World Cup display. The joint-record five time champions once again put the winning bid worth Rs 4 Crore in to secure the services of the young New Zealander, beating off competition from Punjab Kings at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

While CSK will be worried about his availability for the next season which begins on March 21, New Zealand will be even more concerned with Champions Trophy just around the corner as they are already sweating on the fitness of senior pacer Lockie Ferguson.

Coming back to the Pakistan vs New Zealand match, batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips' blitzkrieg knock of 106 not out powered the Black Caps to a 78-run victory over the hosts. With this dominant victory, the Kiwis took the lead in the ODI Tri-Series standings with two points and a net run rate of +1.560.

Ravindra may not feature in the next match of the tri-series, which is scheduled to be played between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday (February 10).