IND vs NZ: Will Rishabh Pant play the second test in Pune? Head coach Gautam Gambhir reveals

Rishabh Pant sustained a blow on his knee on Day 2 of the first IND vs NZ test.

New Zealand recorded a historic win in the first test of the IND vs NZ test series 2024 in Bengaluru, defeating India on Indian soil for the first time in 36 years. The visitors put up a commanding performance, led by a five-wicket hall by Matt Henry and a spectacular century from Rachin Ravindra in the first innings.

For India, the worry was more than just the loss as wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant sustained a blow on his knee on the second day of the Bengaluru test.

While keeping wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, Rishabh was struck on his knee off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, leaving the keeper in pain. It was the same knee on which operations had been done following his car accident in December 2022.

Pant left the field immediately and didn’t keep wickets for the rest of the test. However, he came out to bat in India’s second innings and scored 99 runs.

The second test between India and New Zealand will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, starting on Thursday, October 24.

Rishabh Pant fit for the second test against New Zealand

Despite his injury in the first test, Rishabh Pant has been confirmed fit and available for the second test in Pune. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed media during the pre-match press conference, providing an important update on Pant’s fitness.

On the eve of the second test, Gambhir said, “He is absolutely fine, he’ll keep wickets tomorrow.”

Gambhir’s positive update is a huge relief for the Indian team before the Pune test, which India must win to keep alive the hopes of continuing their home test series winning streak.

Gambhir discusses workload before the Australia tour

India are almost halfway through their test season, having completed four tests out of the 10 scheduled tests, five of which will be in Australia, starting on November 22.

“Once this series is over, we have 10-12 days and that’s good enough rest. Of course, we will evaluate after this game. Keeping the pacers fresh is important,” Gambhir mentioned while discussing India’s plans ahead of the Australia tour.

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