Rishabh Pant is available to bat in the ongoing Manchester Test, despite a foot injury on Day 1. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter retired hurt on 37 after being hit on his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes.
He returned wearing a moon boot and is under medical supervision. Dhruv Jurel will take over wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the Test.
Pant’s brief innings was one of the few highlights in India’s otherwise lacklustre batting performance on Day 1. The 27-year-old displayed his usual aggressive style, confidently reverse-sweeping Jofra Archer and lofting Brydon Carse straight down the ground. However, his injury in the 68th over added to India’s growing list of fitness concerns.
India’s Injury Woes
The team is already dealing with multiple injuries. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy remains out with a knee problem, while fast bowlers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (finger) are also unavailable. Pant’s absence behind the stumps further strains India’s resources as they trail 1-2 in the five-match series.
Sources earlier suggested that Pant might not play further in this match. Reports indicated that India might call Ishan Kishan as a backup wicketkeeper for the fifth Test at Oval, London, starting July 31. This isn’t Pant’s first injury setback; he injured his fingers during the third Test at Lord’s, London.
Wicketkeeping Challenges
Dhruv Jurel has been promoted to full-time wicketkeeping duties under difficult circumstances. If another emergency arises, KL Rahul might be considered, having last kept wickets during the South Africa tour in early 2024. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has been active domestically but hasn’t played for the senior squad this series.
Pant couldn’t keep wickets for most of the first innings and all of the second innings in the third Test due to his finger injury. Despite this, he continued to bat for India. His current unavailability adds pressure on an already injury-hit squad.