Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the second ODI against Australia. The BCCI confirmed Pant’s removal from the Rajkot ODI on Wednesday.
Rishabh Pant got hit on his helmet while batting during the opening game of the three-match series against Australia in Mumbai. Pat Cummins’ bouncer also led to his dismissal for 28 runs and he was taken to the hospital for treatment during the innings break. Pant stayed out of the remaining match due to concussion. Although the scans later confirmed nothing major as such the BCCI confirmed that Pant would not be taking part in Rajkot.
“He (Pant) is ruled out of the 2nd ODI. His availability for the final ODI will be based on how he responds during the rehabilitation protocol,” BCCI said in a statement. It further read, “After getting hit on his helmet while batting in the 1st ODI, Rishabh got a concussion and took no further part in the game. He was then taken to the hospital for overnight monitoring under a specialist.”
According to the ICC concussion rules, Pant will have to visit the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for his rehabilitation. The board informed, “He is stable and all his scan reports are clear. He has been discharged from the hospital and will head to NCA, Bengaluru to undergo his rehabilitation protocol.”
KL Rahul is already in the team and in good form. In all probability, he will be given the responsibility to keep the wickets in the second game. Rahul already made his presence feel in the first match in Mumbai where he was involved in a gutsy partnership with Shikhar Dhawan and ended as the second-highest scorer with 47 runs to his name.
Whether Rishabh Pant will be able to play the series finale in Bengaluru that cannot be confirmed now. The news on his availability on January 19 will be assessed and informed in due time.