Rishabh Pant Exits Bengaluru Test After Knee Injury
Impact on the Team India's situation worsened with Pant's injury, especially as they had already entered the Test match without another key player, Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to neck stiffness. Pant's potential absence compounds the challenges facing the team, particularly after their dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs—their lowest Test total on home soil.
Rishabh Pant, the wicket-keeper for India, faced a significant setback during the second day of the Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru when he sustained an injury to his right knee. The incident occurred in the 37th over of New Zealand's innings when a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja turned unexpectedly, keeping low and striking Pant on the leg where he had recently undergone surgery.
Injury Details
The impact of the ball forced Pant to hobble off the field, requiring assistance from two teammates. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the day. Pant's injury comes on the heels of his return to competitive cricket earlier this year after a serious road accident in December 2022, which necessitated surgery in 2023.
Following the match, India's captain, Rohit Sharma, provided an update on Pant's condition, revealing that the blow had caused swelling in the same knee that had previously been operated on. "Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his kneecap—the same leg on which he had surgery. He has some swelling on it," Sharma explained. "It is tender at this point, so it was a precautionary measure for him to leave the field. Given the extensive surgery he had on that leg, we hope he can recover quickly."
Impact on the Team
India's situation worsened with Pant's injury, especially as they had already entered the Test match without another key player, Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to neck stiffness. Pant's potential absence compounds the challenges facing the team, particularly after their dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs—their lowest Test total on home soil.
Looking Ahead
With Pant's fitness now a concern, the Indian team will be anxiously monitoring his condition as they prepare for the remainder of the Test. The wicket-keeper's absence would not only impact the team's performance but also raise questions about the team's depth in the batting and keeping departments.
As the players regroup and strategize for the upcoming days, all eyes will be on Pant's recovery and whether he can return to the field to help turn the tide for India in this crucial Test match against New Zealand.
