New Delhi: On what proved out to be a horror day for the Indian cricket team in the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, an injury scare in the last phase of day’s play added more misery to their already depleted condition. After India were bundled out for a paltry score of just 46 runs, Rishabh Pant suffered an injury while keeping which forced him to hobble off the field in the final overs of play.
While the exact extent of Pant’s injury is yet to be known, the visuals provided a fair idea that it was a bad one. Pant, who emerged as the top-scorer for the side with 20 runs, got hit on his right knee after failing to catch a ball and immediately fell on the ground. Pant underwent a surgery for the same knee and a blow to it puts him likely in danger of missing out the Test match. The medical staff rushed on to the field for his help and finally had to take him along as he limped his way back to the pavilion.
Pant’s knee injury to impact DC’s IPL retention policy
While we are yet to receive an official confirmation on Pant’s injury, the swollen knee could possibly trouble him in the days to come. All the ten franchises of the Indian Premier League are busy finalising their lists of retention ahead of the 2025 edition of the league. With October end being the deadline for submission of the retention policy list, Pant’s injury could possibly hamper his participation in the hectic tournament along with his role as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals franchise.
While reports have already started floating on the social media regarding Pant being replaced as DC captain for IPL 2025, aggravation of an injury at this critical juncture could force the Capitals to look out for an alternate option. Although, he personally made a strong comeback in IPL 2024 after the fatal car crash, DC were unable to put up a good show.
However, India skipper Rohit Sharma, at the end of the day, confirmed that it was more of a precautionary measure and the team hopes to seen him on the field on the second day.
