Champions Trophy Scare for Team India as Rishabh Pant Suffers Knee Blow in Nets
Team India faces a scare as Rishabh Pant gets hit on his knee during practice in Dubai, just days before their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh.
Champions Trophy Scare for Team India as Rishabh Pant Suffers Knee Blow in Nets
India’s Champions Trophy campaign received an early setback as star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a blow to his left knee during a practice session in Dubai. The incident occurred when a shot played by Hardik Pandya struck Pant’s knee, the same one that sustained severe damage during his horrific car crash in December 2022.
According to a Times of India report, Pant initially limped in pain but continued his training after receiving medical attention, his knee tightly strapped. Despite the scare, he remained in high spirits, even sharing a hug with Hardik before heading to the dressing room. Later, he was seen laughing with Axar Patel, signaling that the injury wasn’t serious.
This will be Pant’s debut Champions Trophy, and he is expected to play a crucial role in India’s campaign. The explosive left-hander boasts an impressive strike rate of over 100 in both ODIs and T20Is, making him a key asset for the team.
India will kick off their Champions Trophy journey against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. However, the most anticipated clash of the tournament will take place on February 23, when India faces arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage encounter.
A two-time Champions Trophy winner, India previously lifted the trophy in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013, when they edged past England by five runs in a thrilling final. Fans will be hoping for another stellar performance as the Men in Blue chase their third title.
