Bengaluru, October 18, 2024: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma addressed concerns over Rishabh Pant’s injury during the first India-New Zealand Test, revealing that the wicketkeeper-batter was hit on his surgically repaired knee. Pant had to leave the field after being struck during New Zealand’s first innings, leading to precautionary measures being taken by the Indian team.
During the 37th over on day two, a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja kept low and struck Pant on his right knee—the same leg on which he underwent surgery following a road accident earlier this year. Rohit Sharma, speaking at the post-match press conference, explained the situation: “Yeah, unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his kneecap. The same leg on which he has had surgery. So he has got a little bit of swelling on it.”
“Muscles are tender at this point. So it is a precautionary measure. You know, he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg. So that was the reason for him to go inside. Hopefully, he can recover,” Rohit added, emphasizing the need to be cautious with Pant’s injury.
On the game itself, Rohit admitted that India’s batting collapse in the first innings was a setback, but he remains optimistic. “For us to stay in the game, we don’t need to let them make too many runs. As less as possible runs would be good. The pitch is settling down it seems. We expect the pitch to play like that. We would have to bat big in the second innings and then make a game out of that,” he said.
India, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled under overcast and pace-friendly conditions, getting bundled out for just 46 runs. Rishabh Pant (20) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) were the only batters to reach double digits, as Matt Henry (5/15) and William O’Rourke (4/22) dismantled the Indian batting lineup.
New Zealand capitalized on India’s low total, finishing day two at 180/3, leading by 134 runs. Devon Conway led the charge with a commanding 91 off 105 balls, supported by a 75-run partnership with Will Young (33). Despite Indian spinners taking a couple of late wickets, Rachin Ravindra (22*) and Daryl Mitchell (14*) ensured the Kiwis maintained a solid position.
