Pant's Half-Century Boosts India in Test Comeback

In the ongoing first Test match against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Rishabh Pant showed resilience by scoring a half-century despite a knee injury that sidelined him on Day 3. Pant, who had recently returned to cricket after multiple surgeries due to a car accident, came out to bat on Day 4 with his knee heavily strapped, joining Sarfaraz Khan to form a crucial partnership that bolstered India's chances after a disappointing first innings where they were bowled out for 46 runs. Pant's aggressive batting, including hitting a massive six off Tim Southee, helped India close in on New Zealand's lead. The Indian team, under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, adopted an aggressive approach in the second innings, reflecting the freedom given by the leadership to play fearlessly. The match saw significant contributions from Indian batsmen like Sarfaraz Khan, who reached his maiden Test hundred, and Pant, whose innings was a testament to his determination and skill. Despite the challenging conditions and his injury, Pant's performance was pivotal in India's fightback, earning praise for his never-give-up spirit.