Rishabh Pant Faces Six-Week Layoff Due to Toe Injury in Manchester Test

Major Setback for Team India

Team India has encountered a significant setback during the ongoing fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant is expected to miss the remainder of this match and the final Test at the Oval due to an injury to his right foot.

Injury Details

On Day 1 of the Manchester Test, Rishabh Pant sustained a blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes' yorker during the 68th over of India's first innings. The left-handed batsman, who had just recovered from a finger injury from the Lord's Test, showed visible signs of pain after the ball hit his toe, prompting immediate medical assistance.

Pant struggled to walk and was taken off the field on a stretcher, retiring hurt after scoring 37 runs off 48 balls. He was quickly transported to a hospital for scans and further evaluation of his injury.

Confirmation of Fracture

Following scans and treatment, it has been confirmed that Rishabh Pant has suffered a fracture in his right toe, which was swollen as he left the field. According to a source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant is sidelined for six weeks due to this injury. The medical team is exploring the possibility of him batting again with the help of painkillers, although the likelihood remains low.

"The scan results indicated a fracture, and he is out for six weeks. The medical team is assessing if he can bat again with pain relief, but he still requires assistance to walk, making his chances of batting very slim," the BCCI source stated.

Injury Challenges for Team India

India is already facing multiple injury challenges within the squad. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out for the rest of the England Test series due to a knee injury sustained during a gym session in Beckenham. Additionally, Arshdeep Singh (thumb) and Akash Deep (groin) were unavailable for selection for the Manchester Test due to their respective injuries.

Rishabh Pant's injury is particularly concerning as he has been a key player for Team India in the ongoing series, scoring 462 runs in seven innings, which includes two centuries and two fifties, at an impressive average of 77.00.

Dhruv Jurel's Role in the Match

With Rishabh Pant unlikely to keep wickets due to his injury, Dhruv Jurel is anticipated to take over as the substitute wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match. However, a crucial question arises: can Jurel bat in the second innings of the ongoing fourth Test?

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) playing conditions, a substitute fielder or wicketkeeper is not permitted to bat or bowl during the match. This means that while Dhruv Jurel can replace Pant as a wicketkeeper, he cannot bat since he was not part of the original playing XI.

Consequently, India will proceed with one less batter if Rishabh Pant is unable to return. If the ninth wicket falls in either innings and Pant cannot bat, India will be considered all out, with no other player, including substitute Dhruv Jurel, allowed to take his place.

In light of these developments, Ishan Kishan will be added to the Indian squad as a backup for the remaining Tests in the series against England.