Injury Woes Plague India as New Zealand Dominates First Test

The Indian cricket team is grappling with significant injury setbacks during the first Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Notably, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was forced off the field due to a knee injury, while Yashasvi Jaiswal sustained a thumb injury but managed a return to the field.

Rishabh Pant, who had previously undergone surgeries on his right knee following a car accident in December 2022, left the field on Thursday. The injury occurred when a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja spun sharply, striking Pant’s right knee. Captain Rohit Sharma noted after the day’s play, “Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his kneecap, the same leg on which he has had surgery. There is some swelling, and we do not want to take any risks.” As a precaution, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as wicketkeeper on day three.

In a further blow to India, Yashasvi Jaiswal injured his thumb while fielding at gully. The incident occurred on Friday during day three when Jaiswal, standing close in, took a sharp edge from Daryl Mitchell‘s bat off a delivery from Mohammed Siraj. Jaiswal briefly left the field for medical attention but later returned with his thumb heavily taped.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s batting lineup capitalized on India’s injury woes, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a century and Tim Southee contributing a brisk 65. Their efforts pushed New Zealand’s lead past the 300-run mark. India had been dismissed for a meager 46 runs on day two, marking their lowest total in a home Test.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Pant’s absence for wicketkeeping duties, stating, “The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.” Pant had made his return to international cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season after missing the previous year due to injury.

As the Test match continues, India is under pressure to hold off New Zealand’s charge, hoping for a swift recovery for their injured players.