Ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand, a few Indian players on January 23 (Monday) visited Mahakaleswar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and offered prayers for Rishabh Pant's speedy recovery. Superstar batter Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Washington Sundar and ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav were accompanied by a few members of the Indian cricket team's support staff.
"We prayed for the speedy recovery of Rishabh Pant. His comeback is very important to us. We have already won the series against New Zealand, looking forward to the final match against them," Suryakumar Yadav told ANI.
India's star wicketkeeper-batter, Pant suffered a devastating car accident on December 30, 2022, and sustained several injuries. The Delhi Capitals' captain has already undergone surgeries for his injury and is currently recovering in a private hospital in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India outclassed New Zealand in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on January 21. The bruised and battered Indian bowling lineup feasted on Kiwis on a spicy wicket as they bundled the visitors out for 108 and then won the game by eight wickets with 179 balls to spare. With the victory, the Men in Blue took an assailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and registered their seventh consecutive bilateral series win against the Black Caps at home.
The Men in Blue will now lock horns against the Kiwis in a dead-rubber third ODI on January 24 (Tuesday) at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
