Manchester, Jul 24: In a major setback for Team India, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against England due to a fractured toe. The injury occurred during the opening day of the fourth Test when Pant was struck on the right foot while attempting a reverse sweep against England pacer Chris Woakes. He retired hurt after scoring 37 and was immediately sent for scans.
Medical reports confirmed the fracture, and the BCCI has declared Pant unfit for the next six weeks. His replacement is expected to be Ishan Kishan, who recently featured in County cricket for Nottinghamshire and was also part of the India A squad that played against England Lions prior to the Test series. However, Kishan did not appear in either of those matches.
Pant’s injury was visibly concerning, with blood seen seeping through his right foot and noticeable swelling in the affected area. The Indian team management now faces a crucial decision, with KL Rahul also a potential wicketkeeping option despite not donning the gloves since the South Africa tour in the 2023-24 season.
Pant’s absence adds further pressure on India’s middle order and could reshape the team’s dynamics for the remainder of the series. – PTI
