After a brief injury scare during the first Test against New Zealand, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, is set to return for the second Test in Pune, starting October 24. According to report from Indian Express, Pant has recovered from the knee pain that troubled him during the rain-affected match in Bengaluru and will be fit to play.
Riushabh Pant Injury scare in Bengaluru
Rishabh Pant left the field after suffering a blow to his right knee while attempting a stumping on day two of the first Test. Following the incident, he handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Dhruv Jurel for the remainder of the match. The injury raised concerns among fans and the Indian cricket management as it affected the same knee on which Pant had undergone surgery following a near-fatal car crash in late 2022.
Despite the discomfort, Pant returned to bat in India’s second innings and scored a defiant 99, although he appeared to struggle while running between the wickets. His gritty performance came under challenging circumstances, but the team decided to proceed with caution.
Rohit Sharma’s perspective
India captain Rohit Sharma highlighted the team’s concerns about Pant’s fitness after the first Test. “He’s had a massive operation on his leg; we all know what he went through. It’s important just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us. Even when he was batting, he was not running comfortably,” Rohit said during a post-match press conference.
Rohit Sharma added that the team made a strategic decision to rest Pant from wicketkeeping duties during New Zealand’s second innings. “When you’re keeping, you have to bend every ball with your knee going down. We thought it was the right thing to do for him to stay in and get 100% ready for the next one.”
Rishabh Pant set to play in Pune
Rishabh Pant’s recovery, aided by injections to alleviate the knee pain, has allowed him to be available for the crucial second Test in Pune. With India looking to bounce back after the 8-wicket loss in the first Test, Pant’s presence will be key, both behind the stumps and with the bat.
Since his return to international cricket earlier this year, Rishabh Pant has been a vital part of the Indian team. With upcoming Tests against New Zealand in Mumbai and a challenging tour of Australia on the horizon, ensuring Pant’s fitness remains a priority for the team management.
Washington Sundar added to India squad
In preparation for the second Test, India has bolstered its squad by including bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. This move adds depth to India’s options as they look to level the series against a strong New Zealand side in Pune.
As India prepares for the next challenge, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant’s performance, hoping he can continue to deliver for the team without further setbacks.
