After Rishabh Pant, another injury scare for India as Yashasvi Jaiswal leaves the field in pain: SEE

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sharp catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell on the third day of the second Test against New Zealand gave India a decisive breakthrough but also sparked injury concerns. This came just a day after Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to a knee injury.

In the 55th over of New Zealand’s innings, Mitchell pushed a throw from Mohammed Siraj towards the gully. Jaiswal, who was stationed in the gorge, caught sharp but was immediately seen shaking his hand and clasping his fingers. He left the field and was replaced by Axar Patel while Sarfaraz Khan took his place in the slip cordon.

The extent of Jaiswal’s injury is yet to be ascertained.

Rishabh Pant will not take the field on the third day

Adding to India’s woes, Rishabh Pant was unable to take the field on the third day after suffering a blow to his right knee on the second day.

“Rishabh Pant will not keep any wickets on Day 3. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” a statement from the Indian team management said.

Pant was hit on the knee by Ravindra Jadeja’s delivery which turned sharply. He received treatment on the field but eventually had to leave the field. Captain Rohit Sharma later confirmed that Pant had developed swelling and the team had taken precautionary measures.

This is particularly worrying as Pant underwent multiple surgeries on the same knee following a serious car accident in December 2022.

“Unfortunately, the ball hit his kneecap directly, the same leg he had surgery on,” Rohit said after Day 2. “So he has a little swelling and the muscles are quite tender at that point.” This is a precautionary measure. We don’t want to take any risks. Rishabh doesn’t want to take any risk as he has undergone a serious surgery on this leg.”

India will be hoping that both Pant and Jaiswal can recover quickly as their absence will significantly impact the team’s chances in the remainder of the Test series.