Rishabh Pant's inspiring words after New Zealand defeat India in Bengaluru: ‘…those who love it grow stronger’

New Zealand made history by comfortably chasing down the 110-run target on Day 5 of the Test match, marking their first victory in India since 1988.

Pant, who missed his century by a run in the second innings, posted a note after India's defeat and suggested that India will be raring to bounce back in the series with the second match scheduled to be played in Pune.

"This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you up and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time. Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger," Pant wrote on X.

During day two of the first Test, in NZ's first innings, Pant was hit on his right knee which forced him off the field during the 37th over. The ball delivered by Ravindra Jadeja turned, kept a little low and struck Pant on the leg where he had got the operation done. Dhruv Jurel kept wickets for the remainder of the innings.

Rohit shared Pant's knee discomfort updatein the post-match press conference. Rohit said that Pant had a massive operation on his leg after his life-threatening road accident back in December 2022 and was not comfortable while running during his knock of 99 as he was hit on his knee while wicketkeeping in the first innings of New Zealand. He said that there is a need to be careful with him and others facing injuries.

"He (Pant) had a massive operation on his leg, so we all know what he went through. It is 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," said Rohit.