IND vs NZ 1st Test: Will Rishabh Pant Bat on Day 4 After Not Keeping Wickets on Day 3?

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Rishabh Pant remained off the field, handing over wicketkeeping duties to Dhruv Jurel on day 3 of the ongoing 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Pant, who suffered a blow to his knee during day two's play, had left the field with Jurel coming in as a substitute for the remainder of the day's play. The latter then continued donning the gloves behind the stumps on day 3 as BCCI issued an update on Pant before the start of play.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said Pant will not keep wickets on day 3 as the medical team continued to monitor his status. Skipper Rohit Sharma also had said it was a precaution as Pant had returned to cricket from a serious injury.

There were concerns among fans after Pant, who was involved in a near-fatal accident in 2022, left the field with an injury, which seemed to be on his right knee. The wicketkeeper-batter was helped off the field by the Indian team physio.

However, fans may not have to worry as Pant was spotted practising his batting during breaks on the third day when India finished the day's play at 231/3, still trailing by 125 runs after being bowled out for 46 in the first innings.

With Kohli being dismissed off the final delivery, India will hope to have the services of Pant, who had top-scored with 20 in their dismal first innings. India counter-attacked to cut short the deficit, but still need to bat well to set a challenging target for the Kiwis.

One batter that could be vital in such circumstances is Pant as he can take on the New Zealand bowlers and score at a brisk pace. But when can he come out to bat as he missed almost four sessions of play? Here is a look:

When can Pant come out to bat in the second innings of IND vs NZ 1st Test?

Despite not being on the field for most part of the Test, the wicketkeeper-batter can come out to bat any time as his injury was an external one. He can even walk out to bat with Sarfaraz Khan to resume India's innings on day four.

According to MCC rules, "A nominated player's absence will not incur Penalty time if, 24.3.1 he/she has suffered an external blow during the match and, as a result, has justifiably left the field or is unable to take the field."

While the MCC rule allows Pant to come out to bat at anytime, an update on the fitness of the wicketkeeper from BCCI just before the start of play on the penultimate day will clear the doubts about his availability for the remainder of the Test.