Rishabh Pant OUT of entire New Zealand Test series? Report reveals

In a major boost to the India National Cricket Team, the star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has recovered from the blow he suffered on his knee and has been declared fit to play the second Test of the three-match series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team.

India National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team are all set to lock horns with each other in the second Test match from Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Rishabh Pant shined for India despite getting injured

The star wicketkeeper-batsman Pant had suffered a brutal blow to his knee while keeping the wickets in New Zealand's first innings in the Bengaluru Test. He looked in extreme pain after getting hit on the knee and was helped off the field by the support staff.

Dhruv Jurel replaced him on the field and kept the wickets for the remainder of the innings. There were questions over whether Pant would be able to bat in India's second innings. However, the superstar wicketkeeper-batsman showcased great courage and came to bat.

Pant played an astonishing knock for the side despite not being a hundred percent fit and troubled the New Zealand bowlers. Rishabh Pant stunned the Kiwis with his attacking cricket and was involved in a 177-run partnership with Pant. Pant, however, suffered a huge heartbreak as he was dismissed at the score of 99.

Meanwhile, when New Zealand's second innings started, Pant once again didn't take the wicket-keeping responsibility and in his place Dhurv Jurel kept wickets.

Rishabh Pant fit to play the Pune Test against New Zealand

Speaking after the match, Rohit Sharma said that they were just being extra careful with Pant because he had undergone surgery on the same knee.

Now, Indian Express is reporting that Pant has been declared fit to compete in the second Test against the BlackCaps.

Notably, Pant was in pain during his knock of 99 after taking injections but now has been given a green signal by the medical staff.

Pant's role will undoubtedly be very, very important - MSK Prasad on BGT 2024-25

In an interaction with TOI, MSK Prasad said that Rishabh Pant will be a key player for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said:

"Pant's role will undoubtedly be very, very important. He is as important as the most senior cricketers on the side. He is going to play a big role again in India's quest to retain the trophy."

The former India selector further lauded Pant and Sarfaraz Khan for their stellar batting show in the Bengaluru Test and called Rishabh Pant the master blaster. He elaborated:

"I think along with Rishabh, Sarfaraz also deserves credit. They both batted really well and took India out of that dangerous position. India was under pressure, but the kind of confidence and exuberance these guys showed on the field was just unbelievable.

"Pant has centuries against SENA countries. He has played many match-winning knocks, with an important mention of the knock he played in Australia. This is the sign of a hallmark player. The moment we think about Rishabh Pant, we think of him as a master blaster."