Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir provided a significant update on Rishabh Pant’s fitness ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, reassuring fans about the star wicketkeeper-batter’s availability.
“He’s absolutely fine, and he’ll keep wickets tomorrow,” Gambhir confirmed during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, quelling concerns about Pant’s participation in the match at Pune.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had provided an update earlier on Tuesday, stating that Pant had experienced some discomfort towards the end of his running movements but was expected to be ready.
“He had slight discomfort in his knee when he reached full sprint, but fingers crossed, he’ll keep wickets,” said ten Doeschate, expressing confidence in Pant’s recovery.
Pant’s fitness has been closely monitored since the Bengaluru Test, where he took knee injections to manage pain and was unable to take the field on the final day despite a brilliant knock of 99 runs in India’s second innings.
The decision to rest him from wicketkeeping duties on Day 3 was a precautionary measure after some swelling developed, as confirmed by captain Rohit Sharma.
Pant’s return to competitive cricket this season has been nothing short of remarkable, considering the serious injuries he sustained in a near-fatal car accident in December 2022.
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The accident kept him sidelined for over 18 months, but Pant’s resilience and dedication during rehabilitation have earned him immense respect.
While Pant’s workload is being carefully managed, the team management remains committed to providing him with opportunities. Gambhir and ten Doeschate’s updates suggest the wicketkeeper-batter is ready to take on his dual responsibilities in the second Test, which begins October 24.
India will hope Pant’s availability behind the stumps adds stability as they look to bounce back from their 8-wicket defeat in the first Test.
With key players like Pant returning to full fitness, the team will aim to level the series against New Zealand in this crucial encounter.
