Rishabh Pant sustained a knee injury after being struck by a shot from Hardik Pandya during India’s initial training session for the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. Pant had his knee heavily bandaged and appeared to be somewhat uneasy while walking as he prepared to bat during practice.
New Delhi: Team India faced a significant concern when Rishabh Pant was struck on the knee during a training session prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian squad arrived in Dubai for the tournament and conducted their initial practice on Sunday. According to a report from the Times of India, Pant was positioned next to Hardik Pandya when a shot hit the wicketkeeper’s knee. Pant immediately collapsed and appeared to be in pain before receiving assistance from the physiotherapists. Notably, Pant had previously sustained serious injuries to the same knee in a severe car accident in 2022.
In the meantime, Hardik approached Rishabh Pant, and the two shared a hug. Pant had significant strapping on his knee as he made his way to bat, but he appeared to be struggling with his mobility while walking from the dressing room to the pitch.
The decision for the wicketkeeper position is likely to be between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. However, Rahul, who participated in all three ODIs against England, is expected to be the preferred choice. In contrast, Pant did not play in any of the matches against England, suggesting that he may not be included in the starting lineup for the early games.
India’s coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that KL Rahul will serve as the main wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy.
“KL is our No 1 wicketkeeper, and this is what I can say at the moment. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but at the moment, it is KL who has done well, and we cannot play two wicketkeeper-batters,” Gambhir told media at the series-ending press conference.
Pant might have played in the No. 4 position, but Shreyas Iyer performed exceptionally well against England, securing that spot for himself. India is set to start their Champions Trophy journey against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.
