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Rishabh Pant Injured - (Source : @Johns/X.com)
Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing Manchester Test and the remainder of the India-England Test series after scans confirmed a fracture in his right toe; he has been advised to rest for at least six weeks. Dhruv Jurel is taking over wicketkeeping duties, and the injury is a significant setback for India as they trail 1-2 in the series.
In the latest events, the BCCI has confirmed that Jurel will keep wickets for rest of the match and Pant will be available to bat as per team requirement. The board also added that the southpaw has arrived at Old Trafford in Manchester wearing a protective boot and also donned the support of crutches to head towards the Indian dressing room.
"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. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements," tweeted BCCI.
Rishabh Pant Arrives In Manchester
Earlier, according to a report from News18, Pant had expressed his desire to bat again in the fourth Test—a move evoking memories of Anil Kumble playing with a broken jaw—medical advice and ICC regulations have made it nearly impossible. However, it is unclear whether Rishabh wants to bat in the first innings or wait for the second innings. Although, his arrival on Day 2 has hinted at his desire to bat in the first innings.
Pant was batting fluently on 37 when he suffered the injury attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. Medical staff immediately took him off the field, and he was later taken for scans, which confirmed the break. Despite suggestions he wanted to contribute under pain relief, the BCCI and team medical staff have ruled him out for the rest of the Test and the ongoing series.
Why can't he be substituted?
The ICC's playing conditions only permit like-for-like substitutes for head injuries (concussions), not other types of injuries such as fractures, to prevent misuse of the substitution rule.
Substitute wicketkeepers are allowed when the primary keeper is injured, but batting substitutes (other than concussion) are not allowed, so Dhruv Jurel can only keep wickets, not bat in Pant's place.
Pant’s situation highlights the risks and limitations that injured players face under current ICC regulations, even when they are willing to play through pain. His absence will increase pressure on India’s middle order and backup keeper for the remainder of the series.
