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The first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru has been marred by injury concerns, adding to the already tense atmosphere of the match. On the third day of the match, India's opening batsman, Yashasvi Jaiswal, sustained a thumb injury while taking a sharp close-in catch off Daryll Mitchell's bat. Jaiswal immediately grimaced and shook his hand, prompting medical attention and a subsequent substitution with Axar Patel. However, he later returned to the field with his left thumb heavily taped, bringing relief to the Indian team.
Adding to India's injury worries is the continued absence of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant, who had a knee operation following a car accident in December 2022, suffered another blow to the same knee while keeping wickets on Thursday. The incident led to him leaving the field, with BCCI announcing that he will remain off the field to avoid aggravating his injury. Dhruv Jurel has taken over wicketkeeping duties in Pant's absence. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, had earlier explained the situation, stating that the ball had hit Pant's knee cap directly and caused swelling and tenderness.
The injury setbacks come as a blow to the Indian team, particularly after their dismal performance on the second day of the match. India was bowled out for a humiliating 46 runs, their lowest Test total on home soil, giving New Zealand a substantial lead. The New Zealand team, meanwhile, has capitalized on India's struggles, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a century and Tim Southee contributing a brisk fifty, pushing New Zealand's lead past the 300-run mark. The remaining days of the match will be crucial for both teams, with India needing to find a way to recover from their slump and prevent a heavy defeat, while New Zealand aims to maintain their dominance and secure a resounding victory.
Source: After Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal faces injury concern in Bengaluru Test