Rishabh Pant’s Return Sparks Hope for India’s Second Innings Against New Zealand

In a thrilling turn of events at the ongoing Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant reignited hopes for his team by taking part in throwdowns during the tea break on the third day. After sustaining a knee injury on the second day, Pant was momentarily sidelined, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper for New Zealand’s first innings.

Pant’s participation in a brief batting session, overseen by assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, has fueled optimism for his involvement in the batting lineup without serving a penalty for missing time. This development comes as India struggles to recover from a 356-run deficit in their second innings, following a record-low first innings total of 46 at home.

The injury occurred in New Zealand’s 37th over when Pant was hit on the knee while attempting to stump Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja‘s bowling. The ball struck Pant’s knee cap, leading to swelling and preventing him from continuing as wicketkeeper. “Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg on which he has got a surgery done,” Indian captain Rohit Sharma explained while adding that Pant’s exclusion was a precautionary measure.

Pant, showcasing his resilience, ventured onto the field wearing a single pad on the uninjured knee and engaged in a 15-minute session focusing on drives and aerial shots. The crowd at M Chinnaswamy Stadium responded with enthusiasm, cheering for their star player as they witnessed his determination to return to form.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the medical team continues to monitor Pant’s injury, with the hope that his past heroic performances could be replicated in this crucial test encounter. Pant was instrumental in India’s draw at the Sydney Test in 2021 and the historic win at Gabba, which remains fresh in the minds of cricket enthusiasts.

India conceded a substantial lead to New Zealand after an underwhelming first innings. Anticipation now mounts as the cricket world watches to see if Pant’s return can help steer India away from another home defeat against a formidable opponent.