Rishabh Pant to Bat Despite Knee Injury

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is likely to bat in the second innings of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, providing a much-needed boost for the team after concerns over a knee injury. Pant was seen taking throwdowns during the Tea break on Day 3, indicating progress in his recovery, although he did not keep wickets on Day 3 due to the injury. Substitute Dhruv Jurel filled in for him, but he cannot bat in place of Pant according to ICC rules. India, having suffered a significant first-innings deficit of 356 runs, hopes Pant's return can help them stage a comeback. Notably, Virat Kohli scored a half-century, reaching the 9,000-run milestone in Test cricket, helping to stabilize the innings alongside Sarfaraz Khan. Captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Pant's injury is being monitored, and the team is hopeful for a miracle in the second innings.