In a development that could have a major impact on the ongoing India vs England Test, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been declared available to bat if required but will not take the field as wicketkeeper due to a fresh injury concern.
Pant, who recently returned to international cricket after a long layoff due to a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, reportedly suffered a strain during Day 2 of the Manchester Test. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring his condition. While the injury is not deemed severe enough to rule him out of the game entirely, team management has confirmed he won’t be donning the gloves for the remainder of the match.
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“Pant is available to bat if the situation demands, but he will not keep wickets. It’s a precautionary move,” a senior BCCI official told reporters. KL Rahul has stepped in to handle wicketkeeping duties in Pant’s absence.
Pant had impressed in his comeback series with his counterattacking style and crucial contributions in the middle order. His absence behind the stumps could affect India’s tactical flexibility, especially considering England’s aggressive Bazball approach.
Fans and former players have expressed concern, but many applauded the team’s caution. “It’s wise not to risk Pant further. His batting could still be decisive in the second innings,” said Sunil Gavaskar on-air during commentary.
India, already under pressure after a shaky start with the bat, may need Pant’s fearless presence at the crease to rescue their innings if the match goes down to the wire. All eyes now remain on the team’s batting order and whether the southpaw will make a dramatic entry when needed.
