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"If He Fields, That Will...": Shastri Issues Caution Over Injured Pant Ahead Of Fourth Test

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ravi Shastri talks about Rishabh Pant's fitness [Source: AP Photos and @RaviShastriOfc/X.com]Ravi Shastri talks about Rishabh Pant's fitness [Source: AP Photos and @RaviShastriOfc/X.com]

Shubman Gill-led India is gearing up for the fourth Test against England in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Old Trafford in Manchester starting July 23. As the fourth Test approaches, there has been a lot of discussion about whether Rishabh Pant, India ace wicketkeeper, will be able to play. 

Pant injured his finger during the third Tes at Lord’s, so Dhruv Jurel filled in as wicketkeeper. However, Pant, despite having pain in the finger, batted in the both the innings.

Ravi Shastri Talks About Rishabh Pant’s Fitness

Commenting on the situation, Ravi Shastri, former cricketer and coach of Team India, shared his thoughts on whether Pant should play in the upcoming Test in a video shared by the ICC. Shastri said that Pant should not be included if he can’t keep wicket properly. 

He pointed out that if Pant is not able to do his job as wicketkeeper, he would have to field, which could be risky for his injury. 

"I don't think he should go in as a specialist batter if he can't keep because he will have to field. If he fields, that will be worse. With the gloves, at least there is some protection. Without gloves, if he gets something that stings in there, then it won't be very good. It'll only worsen the injury," he said.

Shastri also stressed the importance of properly assessing Pant’s injury. He suggested that if there is a fracture or break, it would be better for Pant to rest and return fully fit for the next match at The Oval rather than risking further damage. 

"You've got to see if it is a break. If it is a break or a fracture, then he rather rests it and comes fully fit at The Oval. He won't get a substitute now. Now they'll know that he has been injured. When you pick the team for the next Test, he'll have to keep and he'll have to bat,” Shastri added.

Notably, the 27-year-old Pant has been one of India’s standout performers on the tour so far, scoring 425 runs at an average of 70.83 in six innings. The team is giving him as much time as possible to recover.

After a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, India now trail 2-1 in the five-match series. A win in the fourth Test is crucial, as a loss would hand England an unassailable lead and seal the series before the final match.