Indian domestic cricket has been rocked by a doping controversy after Uttarakhand left-arm pacer Rajan Kumar tested positive for multiple banned substances, prompting the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to impose a provisional suspension on the 29-year-old.
According to reports from PTI, Kumar’s sample contained three prohibited substances — Drostanolone, Metenolone (both anabolic steroids used for muscle growth and performance enhancement) and Clomifene, a fertility drug that is often misused by male athletes to restore testosterone levels. Under standard anti-doping protocol, NADA acted immediately once the results were confirmed.
Former RCB talent’s career derailed
Kumar last played for Uttarakhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) on December 8 against Delhi in Ahmedabad. He has not issued a statement so far, and it remains unclear whether he will request testing of his B sample or contest the findings.
The development comes as a major setback for a bowler whose domestic numbers were trending upward. Kumar was Uttarakhand’s leading wicket-taker in the 2025 SMAT, finishing with 13 wickets in seven matches, including a four-wicket haul, at a remarkable strike rate of 8.34.
Overall, the Haridwar-born pacer has built a solid domestic resume.
- • T20s: 32 wickets in 26 matches (avg 21.31)
- • List A: 14 wickets in 9 matches (best 5/28)
- • First-Class: 8 wickets in 4 matches
Kumar was also part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) setup, having been picked for Rs 70 lakh in the IPL 2023 auction and retained in the 2024 squad, though he is yet to make his IPL debut.
Doping cases are rare in Indian cricket. The last major incident involved Prithvi Shaw in 2019, who received an eight-month ban after testing positive for Terbutaline, which he said entered his system via cough syrup. Anshula Rao was suspended in 2020 after failing a dope test.
