Cricket

Ahead of the crucial second Test against New Zealand in Pune, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided an update on the fitness of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Doeschate expressed optimism that Pant will be fit to keep wickets in the upcoming match."He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end range of the movement of his knee while running. Fingers crossed he will be fine to keep wickets in the second Test," said Doeschate.Pant's fitness has been a concern for the Indian team after he suffered a knee injury during the first Test in Bengaluru. The injury forced him to miss the final day of the match and raised doubts about his availability for the second Test.However, the BCCI's medical team is confident that Pant will be ready to take the field in Pune. "He was in some pain after getting hit on the right knee during New Zealand's first innings. He was given injections. The limp while running between the wickets came from numbness in the affected region. He just has a bruise now and should be fit in a day or two," a BCCI source told TOI.Pant's return to the team after a year-and-a-half absence due to a near-fatal car accident has been a welcome boost for India. His gritty comeback has earned him the support of the team management, which is carefully managing his workload.Despite his injury, Pant played a crucial role in India's victory in the first Test. He scored a dazzling 99 in the second innings, helping India set a challenging target for New Zealand.With Pant expected to be fit for the second Test, India will be hoping to continue their winning ways and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has identified Rishabh Pant as India's "X-factor" in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Cummins acknowledged Pant's exceptional performance in Australia during the previous series, highlighting his unpredictable nature and ability to entertain with his on-field antics.Cummins expressed his determination to rectify Australia's recent setbacks against India, having lost four consecutive Test series. He emphasized the team's high expectations when playing at home and their desire to make amends for the disappointing results in the past.The Australian captain also praised the young Indian talents Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, acknowledging their impressive performances in various formats. However, he admitted that the team had not yet devised specific plans to counter them.Cummins lamented the absence of Cameron Green, a key all-rounder who will miss the series due to a lower back stress fracture. He described Green as a significant loss, not only for his batting but also for his exceptional fielding and bowling abilities.Prior to the Test series, Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the first five-match Test series between Australia and India since 1992.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's injury scare during the first Test against New Zealand raised concerns for the Indian team. Pant suffered a blow to his operated knee on Day 2, forcing him to leave the field. Despite the injury, Pant returned to bat on Day 3 and played a crucial role in India's fightback.However, Pant's innings ended just one run short of a century, and India suffered another batting collapse. After the match, Pant shared a cryptic post on Instagram, hinting at his frustration. He also took to Twitter to thank the fans for their support and vowed that the team would bounce back.Pant's injury scare is a major concern for India, as he is a key player in the team's batting lineup. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form in recent months, and his absence would be a significant blow.New Zealand's victory in the first Test was their first in India since 1988. The win gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra played crucial roles in New Zealand's victory, with Young scoring 48 not out and Ravindra scoring 39 not out.The second Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Pune from October 24. India will be looking to level the series, while New Zealand will be aiming to secure a series victory.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has revealed that the team is taking extra precautions with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's knee injury, which he sustained during the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.Pant, who has undergone multiple surgeries on his knee following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, was seen struggling to run comfortably while batting in India's second innings. He was eventually dismissed for 99 off 105 balls."He's had a massive operation on his leg, so we all know what he went through," Rohit said after India's eight-wicket defeat. "It's just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us."Pant injured his knee on the second day of the Test while attempting to stump Devon Conway. He was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps for the remainder of the first innings and the first 27.4 overs of New Zealand's second innings.Rohit emphasized the importance of being cautious with Pant's knee, given his recent history of injuries."He's had a lot of minor surgeries [and] one big surgery on his knee and he went through a lot of trauma, to be honest, in the last one-and-a-half years," Rohit said. "So it's just about being extra careful, not [just] careful with him."Despite his knee injury, Pant displayed his usual aggressive batting style, smashing nine fours and five sixes."No one knows what goes in his mind, to be honest," Rohit said with a smile. "He decides what he wants to do. I don't think there's anything that you need to speak to him [about]. We spoke to him about 'please understand the situation' and stuff like that, but that's Rishabh - he wants to play in a certain way and then, as a captain, as a coach, we want to back that because like he has produced results for us having that mindset. So let him go and play freely."

Rishabh Pant's valiant 99-run knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. Despite agonizingly missing out on a well-deserved century by just 1 run, Pant's innings was a masterclass in strokeplay and determination.After being sidelined for the entire third day due to a knee injury, Pant returned to the crease with a vengeance. Alongside Sarfaraz Khan, he forged an indomitable 177-run partnership that propelled India into the lead. Pant's innings was a whirlwind of boundaries, with 9 fours and 5 sixes peppering the Kiwi bowlers.Pant's dismissal on 99 was a cruel twist of fate. A short-of-length delivery from William O'Rourke kicked up and surprised him, forcing him into a defensive shot. The ball crashed into his leg stump, ending a magnificent knock that had brought India to the brink of a commanding position.Despite the disappointment of falling short of a century, Pant's innings was a reminder of his immense talent and fighting spirit. He now joins an elite group of Indian batters to be dismissed most times in the 90s in Tests, a testament to his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.Pant's knock also highlighted the growing maturity and resilience of the Indian team. Despite facing a daunting deficit of 356 runs, they fought back with determination and skill. Pant's innings was a catalyst for this resurgence, inspiring his teammates to believe in their ability to overcome adversity.As the Test match enters its final day, India will be looking to build on Pant's momentum and secure a crucial victory. With the series level at 0-0, every run and wicket will be vital in determining the outcome.

Rishabh Pant's blistering knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach the milestone of 2500 Test runs, surpassing the previous record held by MS Dhoni.Pant achieved the feat in just 62 innings, eclipsing Dhoni's mark of 69 innings. Farokh Engineer, another legendary Indian wicketkeeper, had previously held the record with 82 innings. Pant's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and aggressive batting style.Pant's milestone came as India fought back valiantly, reaching 344/3 before rain forced an early lunch. His aggressive innings of 53 off 56 balls played a pivotal role in India's resurgence, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test century.Despite suffering a knee injury while keeping on Day 3, Pant showed no signs of discomfort as he took charge with his trademark attacking approach. After a cautious start, he launched a counter-attack, smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in quick succession and following up with a series of elegant drives and sweeps.Pant brought up his 12th Test fifty in 55 balls, with a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips that showcased his controlled aggression. His partnership with Sarfaraz, worth 113 runs in 22 overs, was instrumental in guiding India out of an early wobble and putting them on course for a potential lead.Sarfaraz, in only his fifth Test, stole the spotlight with a sublime century, but Pant's contribution was equally vital in stabilizing the innings. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has become a cornerstone of India's Test lineup since his debut in 2018, with several match-winning knocks in overseas conditions, including memorable performances in Australia and England.Pant's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket, and his contributions will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant's Return Boosts India's Hopes in Bengaluru TestRishabh Pant's return to training on Friday has provided a glimmer of hope for India in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Despite conceding a massive 356-run lead, the hosts are pinning their hopes on the star wicketkeeper-batter to salvage the match.During the Tea break on Day 3, Pant emerged from the dressing room wearing a single pad and faced throw-downs under the watchful eye of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The Bengaluru crowd erupted in cheers as Pant, who missed the morning session due to a knee injury, began his preparations to bat.Pant's absence from the field on Friday saw Dhruv Jurel take over the wicketkeeping duties. However, as per ICC regulations, a substitute wicketkeeper cannot bat for the team. This means that Pant will be eligible to bat without serving any penalty time.India's hopes of saving the Test rest heavily on Pant's shoulders. The left-hander has a proven track record of rescuing the team from precarious situations. In the 2021 Sydney Test, Pant played a pivotal role in India's heroic draw, scoring a match-saving 97. He also played a crucial innings in India's historic victory in the Gabba Test.With India facing a daunting task in the second innings, Pant's return to the crease could prove to be a game-changer. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly could help India reduce the deficit and put pressure on New Zealand.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Pant's progress in the coming hours. If he is deemed fit to bat, he is likely to come in at number six or seven in the batting order.

Rishabh Pant's Injury Raises Concerns for Team IndiaTeam India's hopes of a strong start to the Test series against New Zealand were dealt a blow on Thursday when wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field due to a knee injury. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 37th over, as Pant was struck on the right knee by a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja.Pant immediately collapsed to the ground in pain, and the physio was called onto the field to assess the injury. After a brief examination, Pant was helped off the field by the physio and a substitute fielder. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but any setback to Pant's recovery could have a significant impact on India's plans for the ongoing Test series and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Pant has been a key figure in India's middle order in recent years, and his dynamic presence is vital for the team's stability. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to score runs quickly, and his absence would be a major blow to India's chances of success.The injury to Pant is a reminder of the physical demands of Test cricket, and the importance of staying fit and healthy. Pant has had a history of injuries in the past, and he will be hoping to make a speedy recovery from this latest setback.Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a positive update on Pant's condition, and they will be keeping their fingers crossed that he will be able to return to the field soon.

Delhi Capitals have undergone a significant overhaul, with Sourav Ganguly stepping down as Director of Cricket and Venugopal Rao taking his place. This move comes amidst speculation about Rishabh Pant's future as captain.Ganguly, a former India captain and BCCI President, will now focus on the Women's Premier League team and the Pretoria Capitals in SA20. He had reportedly expressed interest in doubling up as the men's team head coach and Director of Cricket, but this did not materialize.The Capitals have also finalized their three retentions in Pant, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. They are expected to use the Right-to-Match (RTM) card to buy back other players. Abhishek Porel, who showed promise last season, is a potential uncapped retention.Ahead of the mega auction, the Capitals will hold trials next week to identify potential targets. They have already identified three venues and will finalize them based on availability.The ongoing Ranji Trophy could hamper their plans, as most players are busy with their respective states. However, the franchise is short on time and will need to reach out to their targets before the auction, likely in the last week of November.The Capitals' captaincy picture remains unclear, with Pant's future in the role uncertain. The franchise is expected to make a decision in the coming days.