Indian domestic cricket has witnessed an unusual doping case after Uttarakhand left-arm pacer Rajan Kumar failed a dope test, leading to a provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency. The 29-year-old cricketer’s sample reportedly contained prohibited substances, including anabolic steroids Drostanolone and Metenolone, along with Clomifene.
While Clomifene is commonly prescribed to treat infertility in women, it is also known to boost testosterone levels in men, making it a banned substance in competitive sports. Kumar last represented Uttarakhand in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group D match against Delhi in Ahmedabad on December 8, 2025.
Doping cases involving cricketers in India are extremely rare, which makes this incident particularly significant. In the past, only a handful of players have been found guilty of similar violations. Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Anshula Rao was caught for doping in 2020, while India opener Prithvi Shaw had failed a dope test in 2019. The latest development has once again highlighted the growing need for stricter awareness and education about banned substances among domestic athletes.
Multiple Athletes From Different Sports Face Action
Rajan Kumar is not the only sportsperson to face provisional suspension in the latest update issued by anti-doping authorities. Indian footballer Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi has also been named after her sample tested positive for the anabolic steroid Metandienone. Alongside her, several athletes from other disciplines have been listed for doping violations, reflecting the widespread nature of the issue across Indian sports.
The updated list includes Gaurav Patel from athletics, Khushboo Kumari from weightlifting, boxer Achalveer Karwasra, and polo player Siddhant Sharma. These cases underline that doping is not restricted to one sport and remains a persistent challenge across disciplines, despite repeated warnings and strict regulations.
Eight-Year Ban For Dhanalakshmi Sekar After Second Offence
One of the most severe punishments in the latest crackdown has been handed to Tamil Nadu sprinter Dhanalakshmi Sekar, who has received an eight-year ban effective from September 9, 2025. The 27-year-old tested positive for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone in September 2025, marking her second doping offence.
Dhanalakshmi had only recently returned to competition after serving a three-year ban imposed in 2022 for a previous violation. Her repeat offence has resulted in a much harsher penalty, effectively putting her career in serious jeopardy. The strict action serves as a strong reminder that repeat violations invite severe consequences and reinforces the authorities’ zero-tolerance stance against doping in Indian sport.
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