Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Of Second ODI Against Australia

In a major blow to Team India ahead of the do-or-die second ODI against Australia, their wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming game due to concussion. The left-handed was struck on the head by a bouncer from Pat Cummins in the 44th over of India’s innings in the first ODI, a ricochet off the top edge which also resulted in his wicket.

He did not need any immediate treatment on the field after he was hit and managed to walk off the field without any aid. However, a lot of eyebrows were raised when he did not walk out to field and KL Rahul was seen in the wicketkeeping gloves. The BCCI soon cleared the confusion by confirming that the 22-year old suffered a concussion and was under observation.

Later, reports came out that he has not travelled with the team for the second ODI in Rajput. It has now been confirmed that the youngster is out of the crucial tie. Rishabh Pant was then taken to the hospital for overnight monitoring under a specialist. He is stable and all his scan reports are clear. He has been discharged from the hospital and will head now head to the National Cricket Academy to undergo his rehabilitation protocol, according to BCCI.

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His availability for the final ODI will be based on how he responds during the rehabilitation protocol. Missing Pant will be a big blow for India as they will be desperate to bounce back from the defeat in the series-opener. Pant had played a good hand, scoring 28 off 33 balls although India lost the game by ten wickets.

After being asked to bat first, the hosts were all out for just 255. In reply, Australia chased down the total without losing any wicket inside 38 overs thanks to unbeaten centuries from David Warner and Aaron Finch.