Despite sustaining a toe fracture on the opening day of the fourth Test in Manchester, the 27-year-old displayed immense grit by scoring a resilient half-century on Day 2. However, his injury has cast serious doubts over his availability for the series finale
N Jagadeesan with MS Dhoni (Pic: CSK)
Persistent concerns surrounding the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant have now materialised, as he is likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Despite sustaining a toe fracture on the opening day of the fourth Test in Manchester, the 27-year-old displayed immense grit by scoring a resilient half-century on Day 2. However, his injury has cast serious doubts over his availability for the series finale.
In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that Pant would not be donning the gloves for the rest of the fourth Test. "Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper," BCCI said in its latest update. "Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements."
With only a brief four-day interval between the fourth and fifth Tests, Pant’s continued participation appears increasingly doubtful. According to a media report, Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan is on the verge of being named as Pant’s replacement. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter later confirmed to mid-day that he has earned a call-up to the national team. Jagadeesan brings solid domestic experience, having played 52 first-class matches, during which he has accumulated 3373 runs, taken 133 catches, and effected 14 stumpings.
The selection committee had initially considered Ishan Kishan as a possible replacement. However, the Jharkhand cricketer has been ruled out due to injury. Kishan, who was part of the India A squad touring England, was slated to attend a promotional event on Friday. The event was cancelled, with organisers citing his travel to London for the Test match. Despite this, no official statement was issued regarding his availability. A report later clarified that Kishan had informed the BCCI of his injury and would not be in contention.
Although the BCCI has yet to officially announce Jagadeesan’s inclusion, his presence in the squad now seems inevitable given Pant's condition and Kishan’s unavailability. The team management is expected to make a formal announcement ahead of the fifth and final Test.
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