Pant continues to be out of action as Jurel keeps wickets on Day 3

Rishabh Pant has not taken the field on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand on Friday (October 18). He will not keep wickets today as informed by the official BCCI account on the platform X.

"The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress," the update mentioned. 

Pant was injured in the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings on Day 2. He missed a turning delivery from Ravindra Jadeja that hit him on the side of the knee, an unprotected area. Given substitute fielders can keep wickets now, Dhruv Jurel replaced Pant for the final hour of play yesterday and will continue to be behind the stumps on Day 3. 

ALSO READ: Why Dhruv Jurel kept wickets for India in the final hour of Day 2 

In the press conference after the day's play, skipper Rohit Sharma informed, "Ball hit his knee cap directly on Rishabh. On the same knee he had the injury (before). Hence, he didn't want to take risk and hopefully will be back tomorrow."

India would now hope Pant is available to bat in the second innings given the team's dire situation in this match, starting Day 3 with New Zealand leading by 134 runs. Furthermore, Pant would be a crucial player for India Down Under as India are scheduled to tour Australia for a five-match Test series. 

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