Dogra set to be penalised for headbutting incident in Ranji final

Paras Dogra, the Jammu & Kashmir captain, is set to cop a fine of 50 percent of his match fees for getting into a physical altercation with KV Aneesh, Karnataka's substitute fielder, during the second day's play of Ranji Trophy final, in Hubballi, on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the 101st over of the innings when Dogra tentatively poked at a short delivery from Prasidh Krishna, which ran away for a boundary through backward point. Aneesh, stationed at silly point, said a few words to the opposition captain, and in response Dogra confronted him with a headbutt.

Mayank Agarwal came to his teammate's defence and some heated words were exchanged between the two senior players. The umpires joined in soon to have a word with both the captains and defuse the situation. At the end of the over, Dogra apologised to Aneesh.

Speaking about the incident at the end of the day's play, on Tuesday, Dogra said, "It's not a big deal, it happened in the heat of the moment. A bit of these exchanges keep going on, especially when you're playing the final. We defused the situation right there. After that he started chatting again."

Kanhaiya Wadhwan, who was at the non-striker's end at the time of the incident, also played down the incident, not willing to reveal the details of the altercation. "It happens, part of the game. Sledging happens - it was happening from both sides. A bit from our side and a bit from them. Nothing intentional. It was sorted out soon."