Team India suffered a major setback on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test match against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bangalore. Apart from the Kiwis gaining a solid lead, India faced a blow as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant left the field due to an injury during the last session of play. Dhruv Jurel stepped in to take over the wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the session.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared an update on Pant’s condition, offering both relief and caution to fans. The 37-year-old revealed that Pant has swelling on the same knee that he had surgery on previously. Rohit emphasized that they don’t want to take any risks with Pant’s recovery but hinted that the wicketkeeper might make a return soon.
“We don’t want to take a risk with Rishabh”: Rohit Sharma
“We don’t want to take a risk. Rishabh himself doesn’t want to take a risk because he’s already gone through a major surgery on that knee. That’s why he went off the field. Hopefully, with some rest overnight, he’ll be ready to return to action tomorrow,” said Rohit Sharma during the post-match press conference.
The injury occurred during the 37th over of the match when Pant missed a sharply spinning delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. The ball struck his knee, causing discomfort and forcing the young wicketkeeper to leave the field.
Meanwhile, Team India struggled with the bat, getting bowled out for a record-low total of 46 runs, with Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke leading New Zealand’s fierce bowling attack. Despite India’s poor performance, Rishabh Pant stood out as the top scorer, contributing 20 runs in their first innings.
The Indian cricket team will be hoping for Pant’s quick recovery as they look to stage a comeback in the Test match against a determined New Zealand side.
