Rishabh Pant injury update: The wicketkeeper-batter braved his knee injury during the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, raising concerns about his fitness.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has suffered yet another serious injury during the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand and further raises questions over his fitness. He decided to step out on Day 4, fully visible that he was suffering from a discomfort, which have highlighted the limelight as onlookers and experts started paying focus.
Pant Continues Injury Troubles
Pant injured himself on the second day as a direct result of a blow to his right knee. This was the same knee area that had seen surgery post-car-accident tragedy in 2022. He did not return to the field on the third day. India had to field Dhruv Jurel, who was the backup wicketkeeper. His knee seemed to have been swollen, and he was seen grimacing in pain while sitting in the stands.
Captain Rohit Sharma Opens Up About Pant's Injury
Speaking after the end of play on the second day, Indian captain Rohit Sharma spoke out about the seriousness of the Pant injury saying, "The ball went and hit straight on his knee cap, the leg he had surgery on. There is some swelling, and the muscles are tender." It does sound ominous given that Pant had just returned from a 14-month arduous rehabilitation period following multiple surgeries.
Rishabh Pant's Valiant Comeback
On Day 4, though in acute pain, Pant came out to bat with his knee heavily strapped. The injury looked like limiting his movement; yet he fought along with Sarfaraz Khan, with India still trailing by 125 runs. Pant's effort in the first innings, wherein he topped-scored for India by hitting 20 off 49 balls in otherwise appalling batting performance, showed his importance to the team.
The Road Ahead for Pant
Pant's injury can be something that raises questions about his near future, given the long recovery time after his 2022 accident and matches coming at crucial moments; in fact, India will be watching carefully as he recovers.
