IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma provides update on Rishabh Pant's injury after day 2's play of Bengaluru test

Rishabh Pant injury is a rub of salt on India after a poor start to the game.

India’s first test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has been marked by dramatic moments both on and off the field. During the second day’s play, Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant had to leave the field after suffering an injury to his right knee. The incident occurred when Pant failed to collect a delivery from spinner Ravindra Jadeja, which struck him directly on the knee cap, aggravating the leg on which he had previously undergone surgery.

Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided an update on Pant’s condition, explaining the decision to pull him off the field. “Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the leg which he had surgery on. There is a bit of swelling and the muscles are tender at this point of time,” Rohit said. He clarified that the move to substitute Pant was purely precautionary, with the management and the player himself unwilling to take any risks.

“We don’t want to take any chances. Rishabh did not want to take a risk either, considering the surgery he had on that leg,” Rohit added. Despite the swelling, the Indian skipper remained optimistic about Pant’s recovery, expressing hope that he would be back in action for day 3. “Hopefully, tonight he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,” Rohit further added.

Rishabh Pant’s injury compounded what had already been a challenging day for the Indian team. After the first day of play was washed out, India, under overcast conditions, decided to bat first — a decision that backfired spectacularly.

Gautam Gambhir-coached side was bundled out for a paltry 46 runs, registering their third-lowest total in a test innings. The New Zealand bowling attack, led by Will O’Rourke and Matt Henry, wreaked havoc on India’s fragile batting lineup.

In response, New Zealand put up a strong batting display and ended Day 2 at 180/3, building a solid 134-run lead. With India already on the back foot, Rishabh Pant’s absence behind the stumps will be a significant concern for the team as they look to claw their way back into the contest on day 3.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.