Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Will He Be Ruled Out of the England Series?

Rishabh Pant's fracture exacerbates India's injury list, with Nitish Kumar Reddy already out and Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep also sidelined.

Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Will He Be Ruled Out of the England Series?

Rishabh Pant fractured his right foot on the opening day of the fourth Test, at Old Trafford in Manchester. (via Hindustan Times)

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Indian Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has unfortunately added to his team’s injury woes, having fractured his toe on the opening day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. While he returned to bat on Day 2, Pant has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.

Rishabh Pant has been in great form in the high-octane India-England series so far, having accumulated 479 runs in seven innings at an average of 68.43. His tally includes two hundreds, both of which came in the series opener at Headingley in Leeds, a match where he was at his absolute best. It also made him only the second wicket-keeper batter ever to score hundreds in both innings of a Test match.

He continued his swash-buckling form into the second and third Tests as well, even scoring a much-needed 74 off 112 balls in the first innings at Lord’s, despite having suffered an index finger injury. The 27-year-old however, suffered his second injury blow of the series on the opening day at Old Trafford. Pant fractured his right foot in the 68th over, after being struck by a yorker-length delivery from Chris Woakes.

Rishabh Pant was batting on 37, when he attempted a reverse sweep of the Woakes’ delivery, but instead nicked the ball onto his right foot. While the England players reviewed for a potential LBW, Pant tumbled to the ground in visible pain and discomfort.

Physios immediately stepped onto the pitch, as it appeared that Pant’s right foot had swollen and blood was coming out of it. He failed to put weight on his foot, as a result of which he had to be carried out in a golf-cart.

The BCCI later confirmed that scans revealed that Pant broke the metatarsal bone in his right foot. The initial diagnosis suggested he would need up to six weeks of rest, with photos showing his right foot in a moonboot outside the team hotel in Manchester. However, in a surprising turn of events, reports emerged overnight that Pant was determined to bat, willing to take painkillers if necessary.

The BCCI, ahead of the second day’s play, confirmed that Pant would be available to bat after rejoining the squad in training, though Dhruv Jurel would take over his wicket-keeping duties. Despite reports confirming that he has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, Pant showcased his incredible grit by stepping onto the pitch and completing his half-century, leaving spectators shocked by his dedication.

However, it remains uncertain whether Pant will be able to bat in India’s second innings at Old Trafford, with the visitors’ first innings concluding at 358 runs. England, on the other hand, have comfortably reached 225/2 after batting for 46 overs on Day 2.

With Ishan Kishan Unavailable, BCCI Eyes Unexpected Tamil Nadu Batter as Rishabh Pant’s Replacement

Rishabh Pant’s untimely injury on Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford has left the BCCI scrambling for a replacement, with the 27-year-old set to be ruled out of the final game. The BCCI has reportedly decided to add Tamil Nadu keeper N. Jagadeesan as a cover.  

Rishabh Pant fracture foot
N. Jagadeesan has reportedly be called up to replace the injured Rishabh Pant, after Ishan Kishan declined. (via Telegraph India)

Initial reports had suggested that the board had contacted Ishan Kishan to step in for the injured Pant. However, it was later revealed that Kishan declined the offer due to his own recovery from a knee injury. With the Jharkhand keeper unavailable, the BCCI has now shifted its focus to Jagadeesan, with the 29-year-old set to join the squad within the next 48 hours, once his UK visa is processed.

The Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batter has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, boasting over 3,300 runs in 52 first-class matches. Interestingly, Anshul Kamboj had previously been added to the squad for the England tour as cover.