The Indian cricket team was given a rude shock just before lunch on Thursday when star wicket-keeper/batsman Rishabh Pant was struck on the knee while taking a catch in the second session of the second day of a Test cricket encounter against New Zealand. It unfolded at the end of Jadeja’s fifth over in which Devon Conway was giving the Charge down the wicket but missed the ball completely putting New Zealand to good fortunes.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma said wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was suffering from swelling in the left knee operated on last year, for which he had a crushing blow during play. Even so, Sharma is hopeful of Pant’s return on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand, starting on Friday.
The unfortunate event occurred in 37th over of New Zealand innings, Pant missed a sharp spinning delivery of Ravindra Jadeja and the ball hit his knee.
“Unfortunately, it’s his knee. The ball hit his kneecap on the leg he had surgery on, resulting in some swelling and tenderness in the muscles. We’re taking precautions,” Rohit said at the post-match press conference.
“We want to avoid any risks. Rishabh didn’t want to take a chance, especially after undergoing a major surgery on that leg. That’s why he went inside. Hopefully, he’ll recover tonight, and we can see him back on the field tomorrow,” he added. .
INDIA ON BACKFOOT AFTER DATE 1 AT M.Chinnaswamy Stadium-
Riding high on Devon Conway’s 91 and Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul, New Zealand finds itself in a great position going into the first Test against India. This left them with little chance against New Zealand, who by the end of the second day had built a substantial 146-run lead, reaching 180 for 3.
(Written by Nilesh Tiwari)
