This will be a big boost, especially because the Men in Blue are 1-0 down in the series.
In a recent development coming in, India’s injured stars are set to be available for the upcoming decisive IND vs NZ 2nd Test, slated to start from October 24.
The duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are now declared fit to play with two days left for the game, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed.
Gill was sidelined at the last moment in the first Bengaluru Test due to neck stiffness.
Pant, on the other hand, featured in the match, but took a hit while wicketkeeping when he attempted a stumping on Kiwi opener Devon Conway. He failed to collect the ball and copped a blow and was forced to leave the field straightaway.
The dynamic left-hander did not keep wickets in the rest of the match, with Dhruv Jurel taking over the responsibilities. However, Pant did manage to walk out to bat and scored a stellar 99 in the second innings.
It is now expected that Pant will be able to keep wickets in the next game.
Giving an update on the return of the India stars, Ryan ten Doeschate said,
“Rishabh’s pretty good. I think Rohit [Sharma] touched on it the other day. He was having a little bit of discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed he’ll be good to keep in this Test as well.”
About Gill, ten Doeschate said, “He’s batted last week in Bangalore, he had a few nets. He’s got a little bit of discomfort, but I’ll think he will be good to go for the Test.”
The Men in Blue have already conceded the IND vs NZ series opener after a dismal batting performance in the first innings. With the series on the line, Rohit Sharma and Co have a task cut out for themselves as they gear up for the decisive clash in Pune.
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