Rishabh Pant went off the field during the third session of the second day’s play.
After the close of play, India skipper Rohit Sharma dismissed concerns, saying that the wicketkeeper-batter left the field “more as a precautionary measure”.
Pant could not collect a sharply spun ball from left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja as it smashed on to his knee during the 37th over of New Zealand’s first innings. Subsequently, he limped out of the field and was replaced by substitute Dhruv Jurel.
Given that the ball crashed on to the knee cap of Rishabh’s left leg, which got injured during the horrific car accident in December 2022, it looked a tad serious.
“Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg which he has done a surgery. So, he has got a little bit of swelling on it and the muscles are quite tender at this point of time,” Rohit told in the post-day press meet.
“It is a precautionary measure. We do not want to take a risk. Rishabh does not want to take a risk because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg. So, that was the reason for him to go inside. Hopefully, tonight he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,” he added.
Coming to the match, the hosts were outclassed by the Kiwis on Day 2 of the opening Test after opting to bat first.
India’s first innings folded for a paltry 46 in 31.2 overs under challenging seaming conditions. It was a listless batting performance as no one managed to cross the 20-run mark.
Matt Henry and William Orourke starred with the ball for New Zealand, returning with five wickets and four scalps respectively.
In reply, the visitors ended the second day on 180/3, securing a significant lead of 134 runs with seven wickets in hand. Devon Conway was the top scorer with 91, while Rachin Ravindra (22*) and Daryl Mitchell (14*) remained unbeaten at stumps.
(With inputs from Agencies)