Win Projections to be updated soon
Rishabh Pant won’t keep wickets on Day 3 after injuring his knee on Day 2 of the 1st Test against New Zealand. Dhruv Jurel replaces him as India looks to recover.
Pant’s Injury Leaves India Concerned
Team India faced a major setback as Rishabh Pant, one of their most crucial players, was forced off the field after sustaining an injury on Day 2 of the 1st Test against New Zealand.
The injury occurred when Pant while attempting to collect a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, was struck on his right knee.
The incident left him visibly in pain, forcing the physio to rush onto the field. After a brief stoppage, Pant was taken off, leaving the team to worry about his condition.
“Unfortunately, the knee. The ball went and hit straight on his knee cap, the leg which he had surgery on. So, he has got a little bit of swelling on it. The muscles are bit tender at this point of time. It’s a precautionary measure,” Rohit said after Day 2 in the post-match press conference.”We don’t want to take any risks. Rishabh did not want to take a risk. He has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg. That was the reason for him to go inside. Hopefully, tonight he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,” he added.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a brief update before play began, “Mr Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets on Day 3. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.”
Dhruv Jurel has stepped in as the wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match.
Dhruv Jurel Takes Over Keeping Duties
In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel was called up to take over the wicket keeping duties for Team India on Day 3.
Jurel, who is considered a promising young talent, stepped onto the field with the pressure of filling Pant’s shoes.
Though still early in his career, Jurel has shown composure and skill in his domestic performances, earning his spot in the national squad as a second-choice keeper.
India will be looking to recover from a shaky Day 2 performance, and Jurel’s presence behind the stumps will be crucial as the team aims to mount a comeback against New Zealand.
India’s Strategy Going Forward
With Pant’s injury being a precautionary measure, India will have to adapt quickly to the situation.
Pant is known for his ability to turn the game around, and his absence could be felt if he is unable to bat in the second innings.
However, Rohit Sharma reassured that the medical team is closely monitoring Pant’s progress, and his presence in the match might still be possible depending on how his injury heals.
As Day 3 progresses, all eyes will be on Jurel’s performance and India’s response to the setback.
India Struggles as New Zealand Dominates Day 2 of the 1st Test
New Zealand took full control on Day 2 of the first Test against India in Bengaluru. India faced a tough day, bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings, marking their third-lowest Test score ever and their lowest at home. Five Indian batters were dismissed for ducks, while only Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to score in double figures.
In response, New Zealand made solid progress, finishing the day at 180/3. Devon Conway led the charge with a remarkable 91, nearly doubling India’s total on his own. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players in the IPL, held their ground as well. India’s misery was compounded when Pant left the field with a knee injury, raising concerns over his availability for the rest of the match.
With New Zealand ahead by 134 runs and seven wickets in hand, India faces an uphill battle to get back into the game.
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