Rishabh Pant has not participated in the ongoing Test match in Bengaluru. He suffered a blow to his right knee while keeping wickets on the second day of play. As a result, Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of New Zealand’s first innings.
Despite his injury, Pant made a brief appearance during the tea break on the third day. He engaged in a throwdown session, wearing a single pad on his uninjured knee. Although he hobbled slightly, he managed to hit the ball cleanly. Batting coach Abhishek Nayar closely monitored his performance. Pant focused on playing drives to test his knee. He entertained the crowd with a few aerial shots at the end of the 15-minute session.
India entered the tea break at 57 for no loss in their second innings. They faced a daunting deficit of 356 runs. Given the match situation, Pant is expected to bat if needed. His return to the crease could be crucial for the team’s prospects.
Team’s Cautious Approach
On the second evening, Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, provided updates on Pant’s condition. He revealed that Pant experienced swelling in the injured area. The team decided against taking any risks. Pant has recently recovered from serious knee injuries sustained in a car crash in December 2022. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on the third morning that their medical team is monitoring his progress.
Pant sustained his injury in the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings. While attempting to stump Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, he failed to collect the ball, which struck him directly on the knee. He immediately left the field and was replaced by Jurel.
Rohit Sharma addressed the injury after the day’s play. He explained that the ball hit Pant directly on his knee cap. This is particularly concerning since it is the same leg that underwent surgery. “He has a bit of swelling on it,” Rohit noted. He added that the muscles around the injury are tender. The team is taking precautionary measures to avoid further complications. Pant himself is cautious, prioritizing his recovery after undergoing significant surgery on that leg.
Comeback After Serious Injuries
After facing career-threatening injuries from the car crash, Pant made his return to competitive cricket in IPL 2024. His journey back has been inspiring, and the team is eager to see him fully fit again.
As the Bengaluru Test unfolds, Pant’s status remains a point of interest. The team hopes for a swift recovery so he can contribute to India’s batting lineup in this crucial match. With his potential return, fans remain optimistic about his performance and the team’s success in the ongoing series.
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