Mayank Agarwal Ruled Out of Ranji Trophy After Mystery Liquid Incident

Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal will miss the crucial Ranji Trophy match against Railways on February 2 after being hospitalised in Agartala on Tuesday, January 30.

On an IndiGo flight, Agarwal mistook a suspicious liquid in a bottle for water. He then suffered stomach aches, burning sensations, and vomiting, forcing the flight to return to Agartala for immediate medical attention.

The incident occurred as Agarwal was en route from Agartala to Surat for the crucial clash. He drank the liquid from a bottle kept behind his seat. Soon after, he felt throat irritation and the urge to vomit, prompting him to alert the air hostess.

“We were about to take off, and Mayank felt thirsty. So, he drank water kept behind the seat pocket in front of his seat. After a few minutes, he realised that his throat was itching, and he felt the urge to vomit. Consequently, he rushed to the washroom near the cockpit and informed the air hostess,” team manager Ramesh Rao said.

ILS Hospitals has confirmed Agarwal’s stable condition. He is currently under observation for oral irritation and lip swelling, likely caused by the consumed liquid.

Agarwal will remain under 24-hour watch and undergo additional tests to determine the best course of action. There is a possibility of him returning to Bengaluru for further examination in the next few days.

“After being assessed by the consultants of the hospital in an emergency, he was admitted. For now, he is clinically stable and is being constantly monitored,” said ILS Hospital manager Manoj Kumar Debnath in a press release.

Police Investigate Unidentified Substance

Wasting no time, the Karnataka team manager, acting on behalf of Agarwal, filed a formal complaint with the New Capital Complex Police Station (NCCPS) in Agartala.

The complaint alleges that the clear liquid Agarwal consumed on the flight contained harmful substances. Superintendent Kiran Kumar K of the West Tripura Police has signed and received the complaint, and the NCCPS has officially registered the case for investigation.

The exact content of the bottle is still unidentified, adding more uncertainty to an already packed cricket schedule with major tournaments like the Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League.

While police continue their investigation into the incident, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) remains in close contact with the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) and Agarwal’s medical team. Their primary concern is Agarwal’s health and speedy recovery, but they are also keeping a close eye on the investigation’s progress and will provide updates as soon as they become available.

Impact on the Team and Recovery Plan

The injury has ruled Agarwal out of Karnataka’s vital match against Railways, as they risk losing their quarter-final spot. While Agarwal’s absence is a blow to the team’s Ranji Trophy hopes, it remains undeterred as vice-captain Nikin Jose is expected to take over the lead in this difficult period. 

Since his last national team appearance in March 2022, Agarwal has been on a mission to regain his form. He has accumulated 1488 runs in 21 Tests for India, with a top score of 243 and an average of 41.3. He has also been in fine touch in the domestic arena, scoring two hundred and a half-century in four matches.

Despite the setback, Agarwal remains focused on his recovery and regaining his spot in the Indian team. He is also optimistic about his quick return to action for Karnataka’s next match against Tamil Nadu in Chennai. 

To comfort his fans, the Karnataka captain shared photos from the hospital.

“I am feeling better now. Gearing to come back. Thanks for your prayers, love and support, everyone,” Agarwal wrote in his X post on Wednesday.

I am feeling better now.

Gearing to comeback 💪🏽

Thank you for prayers, love and support, everyone! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/C0HVPPPGnK

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 31, 2024