India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was notably absent behind the stumps on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The 26-year-old, who recently made his return to Test cricket after a long injury hiatus, picked up a knock to his knee on Day 2, leading to Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match.
Rishabh Pant, who has been recovering from a serious leg injury sustained in a car accident in December 2022, aggravated his condition during a fielding mishap on Thursday. While trying to stump New Zealand opener Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, Pant failed to gather the ball cleanly, and in the process, the ball struck his knee—the same leg on which he had surgery earlier this year.
Captain Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant
After the day’s play on Thursday, India captain Rohit Sharma explained Pant’s condition and why he had to leave the field immediately. “Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg on which he has got surgery done. So he has got a bit of swelling on it,” Rohit told reporters.
He further emphasised the team’s decision to exercise caution. “The muscles are quite tender at this point in time, so it’s a precautionary measure. We don’t want to take a risk, and Rishabh doesn’t want to take a risk either because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg.”
The hope was that Pant would recover overnight, but by Friday morning, the BCCI medical team confirmed that the wicketkeeper would not take the field on Day 3.
Dhruv Jurel steps in on India vs New Zealand Day 3
With Pant sidelined, young Dhruv Jurel was called upon to take over wicketkeeping duties. Jurel, who has been impressive in his limited opportunities for India, was quick to take charge behind the stumps. His presence in the ongoing Test series has provided India with a solid backup option in case Pant’s injury takes longer to heal than expected.
Although Pant’s absence on the field is a precautionary measure, his role as a key player for India, especially with the bat, remains crucial for the team’s chances in the series. The team management is likely to continue monitoring his progress closely to ensure he is fit for the remainder of the series.
Rishabh Pant recovery
Rohit Sharma indicated optimism that Pant could make a return soon but stressed the need to be cautious. “Hopefully, at night he can recover, and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,” Rohit said after Day 2. However, with the swelling still present, the medical team decided not to rush his recovery.
As India battles New Zealand in this high-stakes Test series, Pant’s health will remain a key concern for the team, and his return will depend on how quickly his injury heals. Until then, Dhruv Jurel will continue to fill the void behind the stumps, showcasing the depth of India’s wicketkeeping talent.
