India vs New Zealand: Rishabh Pant to not keep wickets on Day 3 of Bengaluru Test

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant didn't take the field on Day 3 in Bengaluru on Friday (October 18) in the ongoing India vs New Zealand first Test. Dhruv Jurel, who replaced him yesterday, continued to keep wickets as India looked to do well against New Zealand who began the day from 180/3, a lead of 134 runs as well.

However, Team India had been bowled out for a mere score of 46, their lowest Test total at home as well. And, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared an update before the play began, "Mr Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets on Day 3. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress."

Dhruv Jurel replaced Rishabh Pant 

However, Rishabh Pant hobbled off the field on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand on Thursday, October 17, after being hit on his right knee. The incident happened in the 37th over in New Zealand's innings. He missed a stumping chance against Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling and he was hit on the knee as he couldn't grab the ball. Soon after he was seen wincing in pain and Dhruv Jurel replaced him.

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And, Team India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Rishabh Pant has swelling on the same knee on which he had surgery following his car accident in December 2022. He also added that Pant went off the field as a precautionary measure.

"Rishabh doesn't want to take a risk because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg" - Rohit Sharma

Speaking at the press conference after the end of Day 2, Rohit gave an update on Pant's injury. He said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo): "Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg which he's done a surgery on. So he has got a bit of swelling on it. And you know the muscles are quite tender at this point in time so it's a precautionary measure."

"We don't want to take a risk. Rishabh doesn't want to take a risk because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg. That was the reason for him to go inside. Hopefully, at night he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow," he again added.