Rishabh Pant Struggles With Knee Issues In India Camp For Champions Trophy 2025

Rishabh Pant suffered another knee injury, this time during the Indian team’s practice session in Dubai ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This has become a huge headache for the Indian team, who begin their tournament on February 20 against Bangladesh.

On Sunday, February 16, during the practice session, all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit Pant, causing the wicketkeeper to hobble a little.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India recently defeated England 3-0 in a series. In all three games, KL Rahul was the designated batsman-wicketkeeper. Not one of the games included Rishabh Pant. According to head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rahul will continue to be the starting wicketkeeper.

Rishabh Pant is seen limping a day after a knee injury and skips wicketkeeping practice

Rishabh Pant was taken aback during a training session when Hardik Pandya's hard shot struck him on the knee. Pandya was polishing his big-hitting abilities against spinners. Pant seemed to be laboring and limped somewhat. He received assistance from the team's physio, Kamlesh Jain, and Pandya.

Rishabh Pant appeared to be suffering during the net session in Dubai on Monday, limping slightly, according to PTI. He skipped wicketkeeping and fielding practice to concentrate on shadow batting as his teammates practiced high catches.

When the southpaw came to bat, he missed and edged a few balls. It is worth noting that he arrived without knee strapping but chose to strap his knee before beginning his practice.

KL Rahul focuses on honing big-hitting and finishing skills

Due to a vehicle accident, Rishabh Pant was unable to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup, instead, KL Rahul took his place as wicketkeeper. Rahul did well behind the stumps and impressed with the bat. Despite Pant's return to international cricket, Rahul remains the first-choice keeper-batsman in ODIs.

Rahul struggled with the bat in the first two ODIs against England, scoring only 12 runs while batting at number six. However, he rebounded in the last ODI in Ahmedabad, scoring 40 runs off 29 balls at No. 5, including three fours and one six. Rahul also caught a ball and stumped someone throughout the contest.

It is unknown whether Rahul will bat at number five or six in the lineup. During the training session in Dubai, Rahul took the initiative to work on his finishing skills. Rahul, who is known for his precise batting, changed his strategy to focus on aggressive smashes, effortlessly belting sixes off almost every delivery.

Rahul needs a big innings

The Karnataka-born cricketer will need to accelerate his innings in the last overs, which will be critical for India in the forthcoming showpiece tournament.

India is in Group A with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand for the event. Rohit Sharma's squad will play their opening encounter against Bangladesh on February 20.

Also Read: “Special Instructions” For Pitches On Which India Will Play ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches In Dubai Revealed