Team India has suffered a big blow.
Rishabh Pant, the star wicket-keeper and middle-order batter, has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against England.
On Day 1 of the 4th Test in Manchester, Pant injured his foot while trying a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. He had to be carried off the field in a golf cart. Fans feared the worst. Sadly, it’s now confirmed—Pant has a fracture and will be out for six weeks.
According to a report by NDTV, sources in BCCI have said that Pant has been told to rest. He will not take part in the rest of the 4th Test, and will also miss the final Test at Kennington Oval, starting July 31.
A senior BCCI source told PTI, “He is ruled out for the next six weeks. A cover will be called in and it is likely to be Ishan Kishan.”
Dhruv Jurel to Keep in Manchester
With Pant out, Dhruv Jurel will take over wicket-keeping duties for the rest of the Manchester Test.
But there’s a twist—Jurel can keep wickets, but he can’t bat in this match as per rules. That means India is one batter short, which can change the flow of the game.
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Ishan Kishan in Line for 5th Test
For the 5th and final Test, Ishan Kishan is expected to be added to the squad as a backup keeper. Kishan hasn’t played in the series yet but is known for his fearless batting and sharp glovework. He will be key in maintaining the team’s balance.
Injury Pile Grows
Rishabh Pant isn’t the only one on the injury list.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh are already sidelined. With so many injuries, India’s team setup is looking stretched.
Experts Feared the Worst
Cricket legend Ricky Ponting, who worked with Pant in IPL at Delhi Capitals, suspected a serious injury the moment Pant was carried off.
“He could barely put his foot down. The swelling looked bad. I’ve had a metatarsal injury, and it felt similar,” Ponting said.
Even Michael Atherton, former England captain, said during the broadcast that this could be the end of Pant’s series. “You don’t get taken off the field like that unless it’s serious.”
