India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant did not take the field on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand at Chinnaswamy Stadium due to swelling in his right knee, the same knee he had surgery on after a car accident last year.
As a precautionary measure, Dhruv Jurel stepped in to keep wickets.
Pant had been hit on the knee while keeping during the second day’s play. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, clarified after the second day’s play that the decision to rest Pant was taken to avoid further risk, given his history of knee surgery.
Rohit expressed hope that Pant might recover overnight, but the swelling persisted, keeping him off the field.
New Zealand began Day 3 from 180/3 with a lead of 134 runs, following India’s disastrous batting collapse, where they were bowled out for just 46, their lowest Test score on home soil.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a brief statement stating that the medical team is closely monitoring Pant’s condition.
India’s struggle in the Test match worsened with Pant’s absence, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the series. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful of a swift recovery for their key player.
