Presence of mind and quick reflexes helped Bengal fast bowler Ashok Dinda avert serious injuries during Bengal’s practice session on Monday at the Eden Gardens when a booming straight drive from teammate Vivek Singh hit him on the forehead.


Dinda was sent for an X-ray and scans, the report of which is still awaited. Sources, however, confirmed that there is no reason for concern as Dinda appeared stable while leaving the field.


The incident happened during Bengal’s preparatory camp for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy which begins from February 23. Bengal’s batting consultant VVS Laxman created a match-like situation during which left-handed top-order batsman Vivek Singh smacked it straight back to Dinda.


The 34-year-old Dinda, just got his hands up in time which reduced the impact of the blow when it ultimately hit his forehead. The Bengal cricketers rushed in to attend Dinda, who got up after a while and left the field for scans.


Dinda, who once again emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy with 28 wickets in 8 matches, did not find a buyer in the IPL 2019 auctions, going unsold for the second successive season.