'This Game Will Test Your Limits': Rishabh Pant Posts Heartfelt Message After Bengaluru Thrashing

Ace India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant posted a heartfelt message for his team and the fans after being thrashed by eight wickets by a visiting New Zealand team. India had last lost a Test at home earlier this year in January, by 28 runs to England. They went on to win that five-match series 4-1 and every cricket fan would be assured that India will make a comeback in the remaining two Tests. India suffered a rare home loss on Sunday when they lost the first Test against New Zealand by eight wickets. It was the Kiwis' first Test victory in India in 36 years.Although Pant was one of India's star performers with the bat in the second innings, nothing was enough after the team was bowled out for just 46 runs in the first. "This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time," Pant wrote on his social media handles. The video included a voiceover from commentator Harsha Bhogle as well.

Pant scored a brilliant 99 off 105 deliveries in India's second innings score of 462. Unfortunately, a blow to his knee meant that he couldn't field for the entire game and was replaced by Dhruv Jurel. Pant lauded the Bengaluru crowd for their support and vowed to come back stronger in the second Test in Pune, starting October 24. "Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger," Pant wrote. Notably, the wicketkeeper has played just 11 Tests at home and this will be the first time that he will be playing in Pune. Rohit Sharma On Rishabh Pant's InjuryThe Indian skipper said that the team management wants to be 'extra careful' when it came to Pant's knees, on which he has had major operations after a tragic car accident in December 2022 and that was the reason for keeping him off the field after he copped a blow on his right knee. "He's had a massive operation on his leg, so we all know what he went through. It's just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us. Even when he was batting, he was not comfortably running. He was trying to only put the ball in the stands," Rohit said.