IND vs NZ: Injured Rishabh Pant not to appear on day 3, BCCI to check fitness

Injured Rishabh Pant did not take the field on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test match between India and New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India assessed the situation at the start of play on Friday and said the BCCI medical team was monitoring the wicketkeeper-batsman.

The development comes after Rishabh Pant had to be stretchered off the field due to a left knee injury on Day 2 of the Test match on Thursday, October 17. The incident took place during New Zealand’s innings when Pant appeared to injure his left knee while attempting to retrieve a delivery in the 37th over. He was seen in visible discomfort, prompting the Indian physios to rush onto the field. Despite their efforts, Pant had to be taken off and was replaced by substitute Dhruv Jurel.

IND vs NZ Day 2: Highlights | Full scorecard

Rohit Sharma gives update on Pant

At the end of the game on Day 2, India captain Rohit Sharma spoke about Rishabh Pant. The Indian captain said Pant was hit on the area where he was operated and his muscles were a bit tender.

“Unfortunately the knee. The ball went straight on his kneecap, the leg on which he had surgery. So he has a bit of swelling. The muscles are a bit sensitive at the moment. It’s a precautionary measure,” Rohit said during the press conference after the competition.

Concerns surrounding Pant’s injury are compounded by the fact that he recently returned to competitive cricket after a 14-month rehabilitation process following the injuries he suffered in a serious car accident in 2022. Pant had worked hard to recover from a left knee injury. which required surgery. His return was eagerly awaited, making this new setback for the Indian camp even more daunting.

With a long cricket calendar ahead, including crucial series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Pant’s injury could pose serious concerns to India’s plans. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir are likely to be on edge, considering how integral Pant is to India’s setup, both as a wicketkeeper and as an aggressive middle-order batsman.

Pant’s departure has left a significant hole in India’s line-up, especially at a time when the team is already under immense pressure after a poor batting performance. Pant’s injury adds to a growing list of concerns as India struggle to bounce back in the Test.