The first match of the 3-game ODI series between India and Australia didn’t end on a good note for the hosts, as they were handed an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat. However, the defeat wasn’t the only blow that hurt team India big team. India’s wicket-keeper for the 1st ODI against Australia, Rishabh Pant, suffered a concussion in the series opener and thus, will not be accompanying team India to Rajkot for the 2nd ODI.
The 2nd ODI will be played in Rajkot on January 17th while Pant will be travelling to Bengaluru for rehabilitation as per the concussion protocols. Pant became the international first player from the country to be ruled out after the protocol came in effect.
"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.
"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.
"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," the release further stated.
Pant was hit on the helmet on a bouncer by Pat Cummins after which he was dismissed. After Pant was ruled out of the 2nd ODI, KL Rahul was announced as the wicket-keeper for the upcoming match.
The upcoming match will be crucial as it will decide India’s fate in the 3-match ODI series. The game will be played at Saurashtra Cricket Association in Rajkot on January 17 at 1:30 PM IST.
