Mumbai all-rounder Sayali Satghare made her debut in the Women's Premier League (WPL) on Sunday, March 3 against the Delhi Capitals even though in unfortunate circumstances. Satghare became the first-ever concussion substitute in the WPL as she replaced all-rounder Dayalan Hemalatha in the Gujarat Giants' line-up after the latter was struck on the forehead while fielding after a dropped catch.
Hemalatha, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket, attempted to take the catch after Delhi Capitals' Jess Jonassen hit a delivery bowled by Kathryn Bryce in the 15th over of the innings. The ball burst through her hands and hit straight onto her forehead as she immediately sought the physio's help and was taken out of the field immediately after which WPL confirmed the development.
"Gujarat Giants’ Dayalan Hemalatha was struck on the forehead while attempting a catch in the 15th over (ball 14.5) in Match 10 of the WPL against Delhi Capitals. She received immediate medical attention," WPL said in a statement on Twitter (now X).
"Based on the assessment of the Players’ Team Medical Personnel, the Match Referee has permitted a concussion substitute. Sayali Satghare will be the Concussion Substitute," the statement further read.
Satghare, who came into the Giants' squad as a replacement for Kashvee Gautam ahead of WPL 2024, got to bat in the latter stages of the run-chase, which was already done and dusted as the Women in Orange suffered their fourth consecutive loss of the tournament. Skipper Beth Mooney rued the spilt chances in the field as the Giants failed to chase the target of 164 runs against last year's runners-up, who moved to the top of the table yet again.
Put in to bat first, the Capitals riding on skipper Meg Lanning's half-century and cameos from Annabel Sutherland and Shikha Pandey, got to a competitive total of 163 runs. Lanning felt they were 20 runs short, however, the score proved to be too much eventually as the Capitals won by 25 runs.
