Why Rishabh Pant Did Not Come Out to Bat During Irani Cup Second Innings?

The 28-year-old Rishabh Pant did not come out to bat for the Rest of India in the second innings of the ongoing Irani Cup tournament. Cricket enthusiasts were surprised by his absence in the five-day contest against Jammu & Kashmir at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. Pant has so far had a difficult time with the bat, scoring only 10 runs in the first innings.

The advancement came after Rishabh Pant finished with 168 runs from three innings in India's recent two-test series against Sri Lanka, including two half-centuries. However, the Irani Cup has been a tough trail for the captain, with his absence becoming the bigger concern as J&K push for a historic Irani Cup triumph.

Why is Rishabh Pant Not Batting in Irani Cup Second Innings?

As per the reports, one of the best wicket-keepers in the world, Pant is down with a fever, which is the reason behind absence of Rishabh Pant in Irani Cup, despite the Rest of India being in a crucial position in their Irani Cup second innings. The exact severity of Rishabh Pant fever has not been officially detailed yet, but the situation means Pant may not be able to bat at full fitness if he is required at the crease.

The Rest of India entered their second innings after Jammu & Kashmir secured a 41-run first-innings lead, scoring 278 in response to the Rest of India's 237. Rishabh Pant's team was therefore under pressure.

Rishabh Pant Recent Form

After the productive campaign in the Test Series against Sri Lanka, Rishabh Pant elected to lead the rest of India. He scored two half-centuries and a total of 168 runs across three innings at an average of 56, including a 63-run knock in the second test that took place in Colombo. Unfortunately, he could not carry that same form into the Irani Cup innings. Jammu & Kashmir, who won their maiden Ranji Trophy title last season, are now chasing another piece of domestic history in Srinagar.