India’s wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy following a toe fracture sustained on the opening day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. He has been advised a six-week rest period, effectively ending his participation in the high-profile Test series.
Pant sustained the injury in the 68th over of India’s innings while batting on 37. Attempting a reverse sweep against England pacer Chris Woakes, Pant inside-edged the ball onto his right foot. He was in immediate discomfort and called for medical assistance on the field. Despite receiving treatment, he was unable to stand or walk unaided and had to be taken off the field using a golf-cart-like medical vehicle.
Following the incident, Pant was taken to a hospital for scans. “Yes, Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the series. He went for scans last night, and the reports have revealed a toe fracture. There is just no chance of him batting as he is in a lot of pain right now,” a source told The Hindustan Times.
India captain Shubman Gill was seen visiting the medical room at Old Trafford to check on Pant, who appeared to be in considerable discomfort, as per the report.
Jurel Named Wicketkeeping Substitute, But Cannot Bat
In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel will take over wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. However, under match regulations, he won’t be allowed to bat. This means India will effectively operate with ten batters for the rest of the Test, putting additional pressure on their lineup.
Pant’s exit is a major setback for India, especially considering his recent form. He had struck twin centuries in the opening Test at Headingley and followed it up with a resilient 74 at Lord’s despite injuring his finger.
Injury Troubles Pile Up For India
Pant’s exclusion adds to India’s growing list of injury setbacks. Fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were unavailable for the Manchester Test due to fitness issues, while all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has already been ruled out of the series.
Pant’s latest injury is another hurdle in his journey back to full fitness. Having survived a life-threatening car accident in late 2022, he made a remarkable recovery to return to professional cricket last year, first in the IPL with Delhi Capitals and later in India’s T20 World Cup campaign. His Test comeback came in the 2024 series against Bangladesh.
