Rishabh Pant Suffers Knee Injury During India’s Bengaluru Test Against New Zealand
On October 17, 2024, during the second day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sustained a knee injury that sparked concern among fans and the team management. The injury occurred on the same knee that underwent surgery earlier in the year. Pant, who had just made his comeback to the Test side after a lengthy recovery from a severe car accident in December 2022, was forced to leave the field after being struck on the knee while keeping wickets.
The incident took place in the evening session of Day 2 when Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja bowled a flatter delivery to New Zealand’s Devon Conway, who advanced down the track but missed the ball. Pant, positioned behind the stumps, was unable to gather the ball cleanly, resulting in it striking his right knee. He immediately fell to the ground in visible pain, prompting the Indian physio to rush to his aid. After being assessed, Pant was helped off the field and did not return for the remainder of the day’s play. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties.
Pant had previously undergone surgery on the same knee following the 2022 car accident, which had sidelined him for several months. His return to competitive cricket came earlier in 2024 during the IPL, where he showed signs of regaining his form and fitness. However, this latest setback raised concerns about his availability for the rest of the match and the potential impact on his ongoing recovery. During a post-match press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided an update on Pant’s condition, explaining that the knee had swollen after being hit directly on the kneecap. Rohit stated that Pant’s muscles were tender, and the team had taken precautionary measures to avoid aggravating the injury. He noted that Pant was eager to return but emphasized that no risks would be taken given his previous surgery.
The injury happened at a critical time for the Indian team, who were struggling in the match. Having elected to bat first under overcast conditions, India’s decision backfired as they were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in their first innings. Rohit later admitted that he had misread the pitch, expecting it to flatten out after the early session, but instead, it continued to aid the New Zealand seamers. The rain-affected conditions added to the unpredictability of the surface, contributing to India’s disastrous batting collapse.
By the end of the second day, New Zealand had established a commanding position at 180 for three, with their batsmen looking comfortable against the Indian bowlers. The early dismissal of Indian batsmen and Pant’s injury compounded the challenges for the hosts, who were already reeling from one of their lowest-ever Test scores. As the game progressed, the focus shifted to Pant’s fitness and the team’s ability to mount a comeback in the absence of their first-choice wicketkeeper.
Rohit expressed hope that Pant could recover overnight and be available to take the field the next day. He emphasized that the team’s medical staff would carefully monitor Pant’s condition and make a decision based on his progress. While the skipper acknowledged Pant’s determination to play through the discomfort, he reiterated the need to prioritize the player’s long-term health, particularly given the significance of the previous surgery.
Pant’s injury also put the spotlight on India’s options for wicketkeeping, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as a substitute. Although Jurel is relatively inexperienced at the international level, his performance under pressure would be crucial if Pant remained unavailable. Meanwhile, the Indian bowlers faced an uphill battle to restrict New Zealand’s lead and prevent the visitors from gaining a substantial advantage.
The ongoing Test, characterized by dramatic swings in momentum and challenging playing conditions, underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket. For Rishabh Pant, this injury represented another hurdle in his journey back to full fitness, testing his resilience and the support system around him. As the team awaited further updates on his condition, the possibility of him playing a significant role in the remainder of the series hung in the balance. With Pant’s status uncertain, India’s immediate focus would be on limiting New Zealand’s progress and finding a way back into the contest.