IND vs NZ Test, Bengaluru: Can Rishabh Pant Bat In India's 2nd Innings After Missing Wicketkeeping on Day 3?

Rishabh Pant took no part in his role as the wicketkeeper on Day 3 of the IND vs NZ Bengaluru Test due to injury, raising the question of whether he will be allowed to bat in India's second innings.

Rishabh Pant, Team India’s preferred wicketkeeper, took no part in the field behind the stumps during Day 2 and Day 3 of the ongoing India vs New Zealand Test at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. After missing a stumping chance off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, Pant injured himself and had to walk off the field to get treatment. India’s Dhruv Jurel took over the wicket-keeping duties in Pant’s absence.

After being bowled out for 46 in the first innings — the lowest total by any team in India, Team India’s troubles in the first IND vs NZ Test of the three-match series worsened with each passing minute. After Pant’s injury on Day 2, the BCCI posted a social media update ahead of Day 3, stating that Pant will not keep the wickets on Day 3 as the the BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.

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Can Rishabh Pant Bat In India's Second Innings Of IND vs NZ Test?

Though he didn't take up wicketkeeping duties, Pant was spotted practising his batting during breaks on the third day. With India at 231-3, Pant’s services might be needed as the hosts aim for a remarkable win. However, with India still trailing by 125 runs, the crucial question arises, whether Rishabh Pant will be allowed to bat, as he has not been on the field for nearly a day and a half.

According to MCC rules, a player absent due to an external injury during the match will not incur penalty time and will be allowed to resume their role. The laws state that if a player leaves the field for such a reason, they are not penalised. "A nominated player’s absence will not incur Penalty time if, 24.3.1 he/she has suffered an external blow during the match and, as a result, has justifiably left the field or is unable to take the field," the MCC laws state.

Coming to the IND vs NZ Test in Bengaluru, India, after being all out for just 46 runs in the first innings and conceding 402 runs, were positioned well to end Day 3 on a strong note as batters Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli had formed a formidable partnership of 136 runs off just 163 balls. However, Glenn Phillips of New Zealand grabbed Kohli’s wicket, pushing India again on back foot.