Mohammed Siraj was forced off the field after being hit on the throat while attempting a catch at the boundary during India’s final World Cup 2023 group stage match, against the Netherlands.

The incident occurred in the 15th over of Netherlands’ chase of 411. When Max O’Dowd tried to take on Kuldeep Yadav off the fourth ball of the over, he couldn’t quite get enough power. The ball sailed towards the sight-screen, where Siraj positioned himself for the catch.

However, he failed to get hold of it, with the ball slipping through his reverse-cupped palms and hitting his throat. As the ball popped out, Siraj immediately raised his hand to the injured area and took refuge by the side of the ropes, sitting against the boundary boards.

He stayed there for several minutes and received medical attention. Startled by the blow, he was attended to by the physios. Action continued on the other side of the ropes, where Ravindra Jadeja knocked over O’Dowd with a ripper.

GWS Siraj! Looks bad! #INDvNED pic.twitter.com/cTRTjmk9rt

— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111) November 12, 2023

The medical staff then tested Siraj’s vision, moving a finger across his eyes as part of the medical protocol. Two more staff members joined not long after, as Siraj continued to rest in the same position.

It took a couple of overs for Siraj to gather himself and walk all around to India’s dugout. He sat on the front row, looking refreshed, and had a little chat with Ishan Kishan, one of the substitutes.

He later returned to the field, occupying his spot by the ropes.

Siraj was the first to hand India a breakthrough, dismissing opener Wesley Barresi in the second over of the chase.

Table toppers India will face New Zealand in the first semi-final on November 15.

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