Pant, who made a comeback earlier this year after undergoing surgery on his right knee following a car accident in December 2022, was struck on the same knee while attempting to collect a ball in the 37th over of New Zealand's innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The injury occurred when Pant missed a stumping chance against Devon Conway off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling. As he failed to collect the ball, it struck him directly on the knee cap \u2014 the same knee where he had surgery following the crash. Pant immediately left the field and was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking after the day's play, Rohit revealed the team\u2019s decision to not take any risks with Pant's fitness, citing the sensitivity of his recovery. \"Unfortunately, the ball hit straight on his knee cap, the same leg which he\u2019s had surgery on. He\u2019s got a bit of swelling on it,\" Rohit said. \"And you know the muscles are quite tender at this point in time, so it\u2019s a precautionary measure. We don\u2019t want to take a risk. Rishabh doesn\u2019t want to take a risk either, because he has gone through a massive surgery on that particular leg.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rohit added that they hoped Pant would recover overnight and return to the field the next day, but his well-being remained the priority. \"Hopefully, at night he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pant\u2019s injury overshadowed what was already a difficult day for India, who were bowled out for a paltry 46, their lowest Test total at home. New Zealand capitalised on the opportunity, ending the day with a commanding 180 for 3, taking a lead of 134 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rohit added that they hoped Pant would recover overnight and return to the field the next day, but his well-being remained the priority. \"Hopefully, at night he can recover and we will see him back on the field tomorrow,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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