Ind vs NZ opening Test: Rishabh Pant won't keep wickets on Day 3 as Kiwis resume batting

Rishabh Pant sidelined due to knee injury during India vs New Zealand Test match, Dhruv Jurel replaces him.

Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets for India on the third day of the opening Test against New Zealand after copping a blow to his knee during the second day’s play.

The match resumed on day three of the opening test with Darryl Mitchell falling prey to Mohammad Siraj in the first session of the day.

Rachin Ravindra continues to hold ground as he bats on 36 (62) at the end of 57 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took his first wicket with Tom Blundell getting caught on slip by K.L. Rahul.

The Indian team management informed shortly before the resumption of play on Friday (October 18, 2024) that Pant will remain away from action.

“Mr Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets on Day 3. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the statement said.

Pant was hit on his right knee in the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings when a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja spun sharply inwards and hit his right knee with Devon Conway at the strike.

The wicketkeeper-batter had to leave the field and captain Rohit Sharma informed after the end of play that there was some swelling and the team did not want to take any risks.