Champions Trophy: Injury scare as Rishabh Pant hit on left knee during net session in Dubai | Cricket News
TimesofIndia.com in DUBAI: Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took a blow to his left knee while doing drills at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday. He was stationed right next to the net where Hardik Pandya was batting and a slash from the right-hander hit him on the knee.
Pant was down on the ground straight away and received attention from the medical team. The youngster looked in pain when the ice pack was applied to the knee which had receieved a lot of damage during his horrific car crash few years back.
After icing, Pant was back on his feet and limped for a bit.
A concerned Hardik Pandya went straight to his teammate and asked whether he was alright. The two hugged before Pant’s left knee was heavily strapped and he made his way to the change room.
The smile was back and he started padding up for a hit in the nets.
A joke and two was shared between him and Axar Patel before the two made their way to the nets. Pant certainly didn’t look comfortable while covering the distance but still went ahead with the hit.
Team India arrived in a blue team bus, proudly emblazoned with the word “Champions,” before making their way into the ICC Academy to fine-tune their preparations.
The two-time Champions Trophy winners will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. Their final Group A match is set for March 2 against New Zealand.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1998, India has claimed the Champions Trophy twice. The first triumph came in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership when India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners after a rain-marred final in Colombo.
The second title arrived in 2013, with MS Dhoni leading India to victory over hosts England in a rain-shortened final.
India came close again in 2017, reaching the final but falling short against Pakistan. Now, with another shot at glory, Rohit Sharma’s men are determined to add a third title to their legacy.
