Rishabh Pant’s knee injury has raised significant concerns for the Indian cricket team during the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.
The incident occurred on October 17, 2024, during the second day of the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, when Pant was struck on his left knee while attempting to collect a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja.
This injury is particularly alarming as it affects the same knee that underwent surgery following a severe car accident in December 2022.
The injury took place in the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings when Pant missed a stumping opportunity against Devon Conway.
The ball hit him directly on the kneecap, leading to immediate swelling. Rishabh Pant was visibly in pain and had to be assisted off the field, where he was replaced by substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel for the remainder of the day.
After Day 2’s play, Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media, confirming that Pant’s exit was a precautionary measure due to swelling and tenderness in his knee.
“Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg which he has had surgery on,” Sharma stated. He emphasized that both Pant and the team did not want to take any risks given his recent recovery from major surgery.
As of Day 3 of the Test, Pant did not take the field, with BCCI officials monitoring his condition closely.
The medical team has been assessing his fitness, and while there were fears about his availability for future matches, reports indicated that he was seen practicing during a tea break, hinting at a possible return to batting duties later in the innings.
Pant’s injury comes at a challenging time for India, who were already facing difficulties after being bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings—their lowest total at home.
Additionally, opener Shubman Gill is sidelined due to neck stiffness, further straining India’s lineup as they seek to recover from their initial batting collapse.
With crucial matches on the horizon, including a busy international calendar ahead, Pant’s fitness remains a top priority for the Indian team management.
His role as both a wicketkeeper and an aggressive middle-order batsman is vital for India’s success. The team will hope for a swift recovery as they aim to bounce back in this Test series against New Zealand and beyond.
