IND vs NZ: Will Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill play in 2nd test? Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provides update

Rishabh Pant was hit on the knee during the Bengaluru test.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has provided a major update on stalwarts Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s availability for the upcoming second match of the three-match test series against New Zealand.

The second test will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24. New Zealand are leading the three-match series 1-0 after they won the Bengaluru test by eight wickets.

In Bengaluru, India recorded their third-lowest total (46) in test cricket. In reply, New Zealand slammed 402 after Rachin Ravindra scored a fantastic century. India made 462 runs in their second innings as Sarfraz Khan top-scored with 150 runs.

While chasing 107, New Zealand chased down the target with eight wickets in hand. Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match.

India have been sweating over injuries to Pant and Gill. Ten Doeschate has given updates ahead of the second test.

IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill likely to feature in Pune

During the Bengaluru test, Pant hurt his knee on the second day of the test when he was attempting to collect the ball in the 37th over of New Zealand’s first innings.

After this, he went off the field straightaway in pain. Dhruv Jurel took the wicket-keeping responsibilities for the rest of the match for India. While Pant batted in the second innings and scored 99 runs, he was clearly in discomfort with his knee.

Talking about Pant, India’s assistant coach stated that the 27-year-old is doing well at the moment, but they are keeping their fingers crossed for him.

“Rishabh is pretty good. I think Rohit had touched on it the other day. He was having a little bit discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed he’ll be good to keep in the Test as well,” said Ten Doeschate.

Shubman Gill missed the Bengaluru test due to neck stiffness. After the match ended, Gill had a long batting session in the nets in Bengaluru. India’s assistant coach remained optimistic of Gill playing the Pune test.

“He’s batted last week in Bangalore, he had a few nets,” ten Doeschate said of Gill. “He’s got a little bit of discomfort, but I’ll think he will be good to go for the Test,” said Ten Doeschate.

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