• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Will Rishabh Pant Play The 2Nd Test Against New Zealand Following Knee Injury

Will Rishabh Pant Play The 2nd Test Against New Zealand Following Knee Injury? 

Rishabh Pant likely to miss the second Test Vs NZ (Source: @Rishabhians17/x.com)Rishabh Pant likely to miss the second Test Vs NZ (Source: @Rishabhians17/x.com)

In the latest news, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remains in doubt for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, after suffering a knee injury during the first Test in Bengaluru. Despite his heroic knock in India’s second innings in the first Test, Pant’s fitness has become a significant concern for the team management as they seek to bounce back from an eight-wicket loss in the series opener.

The 27-year-old cricketer sustained the injury on Day 2 while fielding and was forced to leave the field, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as a substitute wicketkeeper. After the injury,  the BCCI’s medical team urge Rishabh Pant to rest on Day 3 as a precautionary measure. Although Pant returned to bat on Day 4, and showcased his typical aggressive style to reach 99,  however, it is important to note that he was again opted out of keeping duties for the remainder of the match. 

Rishabh Pant's Availability For 2nd Test Against New Zealand Doubtful 

The injury has cast a shadow on Pant’s participation in the Pune Test. According to the reports of Indian Express, the selectors have left it to the team management to take a call on Pant’s inclusion for the second Test. Rohit Sharma also indicated that the decision on Pant’s availability would be made closer to the match, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and the medical team.

However, it is important to mention that Pant’s absence behind the stumps was notably filled by young Dhruv Jurel in the first Test. Jurel’s solid glovework and batting promise provide India with a reliable backup option should Pant be rested for the second Test.

The BCCI’s medical team will continue to monitor Pant’s condition in the coming days, but given the recurrence of injuries to his knee, it is likely that the team management will prioritize his fitness for the crucial series in Australia, where his presence will be indispensable. 

While his return to form with the bat is crucial for India’s middle order, particularly with the all-important Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia looming just a month away. For now, Rishabh Pant’s participation in the second Test remains uncertain, leaving India’s preparations in a state of flux as they look to level the series against a determined New Zealand side.