Team India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant injured his knee after being struck by a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja during Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand. After medical staff evaluated him, he hobbled off the field, prompting Dhruv Jurel to take over wicketkeeping duties.
The incident occurred on the last ball of the 37th over when left-handed batter Devon Conway missed a sharply turning delivery from Jadeja. The ball narrowly avoided the stumps and gloves, hitting Pant’s right knee in an unprotected area.
Pant immediately fell in pain, and although he received a few minutes of treatment, including pain-relieving spray, he continued to struggle and ultimately had to leave the field with the medical staff.
Jurel was called from the dressing room right away, and the backup wicketkeeper came onto the field with his gear to replace Pant behind the stumps. Pant was seen sitting on a chair by the boundary as medical staff continued to treat him. He attempted to walk a few steps but hobbled awkwardly and winced in pain.
Jurel has shown himself to be a dependable wicketkeeper, demonstrated by his performances during the home series against England earlier this year. He nearly faced trouble immediately after coming on, as he almost knocked over the bails when Ashwin bowled Devon Conway in the 40th over.
Rishabh Pant scored 20 runs in the first innings
The wicketkeeper was one of only two players to reach double digits during India’s disastrous batting performance. The hosts were bowled out for 46 runs, their lowest total at home, with Pant coming in at No. 4.
Relying on his aggressive batting style, he was promoted to the order after India encountered early difficulties against the moving ball. Although Pant made an effort to take control, he managed only a sluggish 20 runs off 49 balls, including a couple of boundaries.
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