Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of Fifth Test as India Prepares for Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the fifth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to a toe injury sustained during the fourth Test. Coach Gautam Gambhir praised Pant's bravery for batting through pain and highlighted the importance of team spirit. Narayan Jagadeesan has been added to the squad as Pant's replacement. The article also discusses the need for substitute rules in cricket for significant injuries. India's recent performance in the fourth Test, which ended in a draw, is also covered, showcasing key contributions from players like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2025, 01:58 IST

Rishabh Pant's Injury Update

Manchester [UK], July 27: Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has announced that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will not participate in the upcoming fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which begins on July 31 at The Oval.

Pant sustained an injury during the fourth Test when a yorker from England's Chris Woakes hit his right foot, forcing him to leave the field while batting in the first innings.

Despite the pain, Pant displayed remarkable bravery by continuing to bat with a fractured toe, ultimately scoring a crucial half-century for India on Day 2 of the match.

In a media interaction, Gambhir expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience, stating, “It has already been confirmed that Rishabh is out for the series. His actions exemplify the spirit and foundation of our team. The way he played through the pain is commendable.”

He further added, “Words cannot fully capture the praise he deserves, especially for batting with a broken foot. Few have shown such courage, and I believe future generations will remember this.”

To fill Pant's absence, India has included Narayan Jagadeesan in the squad for the fifth Test. Jagadeesan has an impressive record, having scored 3,373 runs in 52 first-class matches, including 10 centuries and 14 half-centuries, with an average of 47.50.

Pant has been a key player in the series, accumulating 479 runs at an average of 68.42, which features two centuries and three half-centuries.

Gambhir also commented on the need for a substitute rule for injuries, stating, “I fully support it. If umpires and match referees recognize a significant injury, having a substitute is crucial, especially in a tightly contested series like this one.”

In the fourth Test, India managed to secure a draw thanks to impressive centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the second innings against England at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Brief score: India 358 & 425/4 (Ravindra Jadeja 107*, Shubman Gill 103, Chris Woakes 2/67) vs England 669 (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 141, Ravindra Jadeja 4/143).