Is Prince Khatri's ACL Tear a Setback for Indian Rugby?
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Synopsis
Prince Khatri’s ACL tear is a devastating blow for the Hyderabad Heroes and fans. As he faces a lengthy recovery, the team's hopes now rest on his inspiring comeback. Will Khatri's absence hinder the Heroes' performance in the RPL?
Key Takeaways
- Prince Khatri is out for the rest of the RPL season due to a serious ACL injury.
- The injury occurred during the season opener against the Kalinga Black Tigers.
- Khatri's recovery is expected to take six to nine months.
- The Hyderabad Heroes have signed Shakti Nag as his replacement.
- Khatri remains optimistic about his return to the game.
Mumbai, June 21 (NationPress) In a significant setback for both the Hyderabad Heroes and Indian rugby enthusiasts, star athlete Prince Khatri has been sidelined for the remainder of the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) 2025 season due to a Grade 3 ACL tear. This unfortunate injury occurred during the team’s season opener against the Kalinga Black Tigers in the tournament's third match.
The 31-year-old from Haryana, who was the second most expensive Indian signing at this year’s auction, suffered the injury in the second half of the match held at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex. After landing awkwardly while attempting a tackle, Khatri clutched his knee in distress and was immediately taken off the field on a stretcher.
Medical scans later revealed the grim news - a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, a serious injury that will keep him out of action for approximately six to nine months. This unfortunate development not only ends his participation in the rest of the RPL 2025 but also sidelines him for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Expressing his emotions, Khatri stated, “This is truly heartbreaking. I dedicated myself to being at my peak for the RPL. Representing the Hyderabad Heroes in front of a Mumbai audience was a moment of immense pride. To fall in the very first game is difficult to accept, but I have faith in the recovery process and will return stronger.”
He further expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank my teammates, fans, and everyone who has reached out with messages of support. This is merely a chapter in my journey - not the conclusion.”
This news marks a substantial challenge for the Hyderabad Heroes, who had high expectations based on Khatri’s athletic prowess and extensive experience on the field.
The team has enlisted West Bengal forward Shakti Nag to fill Khatri’s position for the remaining matches of the RPL.
As the inaugural season of the RPL continues, fans are now looking forward to Khatri’s recovery and an inspiring comeback.
Point of View
His commitment to recovery provides hope for fans and the sport alike. NationPress remains dedicated to covering this evolving story, highlighting the resilience of athletes in the face of adversity.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the extent of Prince Khatri's injury?
Prince Khatri has suffered a Grade 3 ACL tear, which will sideline him for six to nine months.
When did the injury occur?
The injury occurred during the season opener against the Kalinga Black Tigers.
Who will replace Khatri in the team?
West Bengal forward Shakti Nag has been signed to replace Khatri for the remaining matches of the RPL.
How does Khatri feel about his injury?
Khatri expressed that he is heartbroken but is determined to come back stronger.
What are the implications for the Hyderabad Heroes?
Khatri's absence is a significant setback for the team, impacting their performance and strategy in the RPL.
