Put into bat, Rajasthan Royals managed to score 139-3 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 21 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. Australia batsman Steve Smith scored unbeaten 73 off 59 balls laced with seven boundaries and a six, while Jos Buttler made a 34-ball 37.
During the Rajasthan innings, KKR vice-captain Robin Uthappa was spotted wearing a face mask. Fans were left wondering about it as no other KKR player was wearing the mask.
The actual reason for Uthappa wearing the face mask was due to the sand storm that hit Jaipur just before the start of play. When the players were getting ready for the encounter, the wind suddenly picked up and then it was realised that it was a sand storm.
The players had to find cover quickly as their kit and stuff was moved from its place by the wind itself. The ground staff, however, were at work even during this period and they covered the pitch to avoid any further problems.
The only other instance one can recall when players have worn face masks on a cricket field was back in 2017 when the Sri Lankan players wore pollution masks during the third Test against India in Delhi as they complained of breathing difficulty.
