As the main thrust Indian National Cricket Teamstar wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh pants recovered from a knock on his knee and was declared fit for the second Test of the three games series Against the New Zealand National Cricket Team.
The Indian National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team are set to play each other in the second Test match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 24.
Rishabh Pant shone for India despite being injured
Star wicketkeeper-batsman Pant took a brutal blow to his knee while keeping wickets in New Zealand’s first innings in the Bengaluru Test. He appeared to be in severe pain after being hit in the knee and was helped off the pitch by support staff.
Dhruv Jurel replaced him in the field and kept wickets for the rest of the innings. There were questions about whether Pant would be able to bat in India’s second innings. However, the superstar wicketkeeper-batsman showed great courage and came into bat.
Despite not being a hundred percent fit, Pant batted admirably for the side and troubled the New Zealand bowlers. Rishabh Pant stunned the Kiwis with his attacking cricket and shared a 177-run partnership with Pant. But Pant suffered a major heartbreak as he was dismissed for 99.
At the same time, when New Zealand’s second innings began, Pant again did not take the responsibility of keeping the wicket and Dhurv Jurel kept the wickets instead.
Rishabh Pant is fit to play the Pune Test against New Zealand
Speaking after the match Rohit Sharma Pant said that they are very careful with him as he has undergone surgery on the same knee.
Now Indian Express reports that Pant has been declared fit to compete in the second Test against the BlackCaps.
Notably, Pant was in pain while knocking 99 after the injection, but has now been given the green signal by the medical staff.
Pant’s role will undoubtedly be very, very important – CEC Prasad on BGT 2024-25
In an interaction with TOI, CEC Prasad said that Rishabh Pant will be a key player for India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said:
“Pant’s role will certainly be very, very important. He is as important as the most senior cricketers in the side. He will play a big role again in India’s quest to retain the trophy.”
The former India selector further praised Pant and Sarfaraz Khan for their stellar batting show in the Bengaluru Test and called Rishabh Pant a master blaster. He elaborated:
“I think Sarfaraz deserves credit along with Rishabh. Both of them batted very well and got India out of that dangerous situation. India was under pressure but the confidence and enthusiasm these guys showed on the field was incredible.
“Pant has centuries against SENA nations. He has played many match-winning knocks, highlighting the knock he played in Australia. That is the mark of a remarkable player. The moment we think of Rishabh Pant, we think of him as a master blaster.”
