IND vs AUS: KL Rahul keeps wicket for India after Rishabh Pant suffers concussion

As India look to defend their not-so-big 255 total against Australia, batsman KL Rahul has been handed the gloves to wicketkeep.

The additional job comes after Rishabh Pant copped a blow on the helmet while batting. He had to seek treatment during the innings break in the ongoing first ODI in Mumbai.

This is the first time Rahul is wicketkeeping for India even after doing it on a regular basis for his IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

Pant was hit on the helmet by a Pat Cummins bouncer, which also led to his dismissal in the 44th over. The ball hit the top edge of his bat and then hit his helmet. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed through their social media handles that Pant suffered a concussion and has been put under observation. Manish Pandey took the field as a concussion substitute.

"Rishabh Pant has got a concussion after being hit on his helmet while batting. KL Rahul is keeping wickets in his absence. Pant is under observation at the moment," the BCCI posted on Twitter.

Update: Rishabh Pant has got a concussion after being hit on his helmet while batting. KL Rahul is keeping wickets in his absence. Pant is under observation at the moment. #TeamIndia #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/JkVElMacQc

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2020

As for the match, India were bowled out for 255 in 49.1 overs. Mitchell Starc registered figures of 3 or 56 while Cummins and Kane Richardson took a couple of wickets each. 

Opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scored for India with 74 off 91 balls while Rahul (41), Pant (28) and Ravindra Jadeja (25) made contributions.

Captain Virat Kohli had to demote himself to No.4 to accommodate Rahul, who came out to bat at No.3, but the experiment didn't exactly go according to plan for the hosts as Kohli fell for 16 to Zampa, right after hitting the leg-spinner for a six over the long leg fence.

But the total is still well below par and stopping the likes of David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith on a good batting track at the Wankhede Stadium will be a big challenge for the Indian bowlers, especially with dew expected to play a part later in the evening.