Rishabh Pant, India’s key wicketkeeper-batsman, has been off the field for most of the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. Pant sustained an injury on Day 2 while attempting a stumping off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. He left the field for treatment, leaving Dhruv Jurel to take over wicketkeeping duties.
India’s woes in the match deepened after being bowled out for a meager 46 runs in the first innings — the lowest total by any team on Indian soil. To add to their troubles, the BCCI posted an update before Day 3, stating Pant would not keep wickets due to ongoing medical monitoring. Despite his absence from wicketkeeping, Pant was seen practising his batting during breaks on Day 3, raising hopes that he might return to play a crucial role in India’s second innings.
As per MCC rules, Pant would not be penalized for his absence due to an external injury. The laws allow him to resume batting, as the injury occurred during the match. With India trailing by 125 runs and positioned at 231-3, Pant’s return could be pivotal. Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli had built a strong partnership of 136 runs before Glenn Phillips dismissed Kohli, leaving India on the back foot again.
Pant was seen jogging and practising before the start of Day 4, although his right knee remained strapped. Will Pant take the field alongside Sarfaraz Khan to steer India towards a potential comeback, or will KL Rahul come in next? New Zealand remains in control, but India could still make things interesting if they manage to reduce the deficit with minimal wickets lost. All eyes will be on whether Pant can make a crucial impact.
