Rishabh Pant Ruled Out With Toe Injury, Ishan Kishan Likely to Join Squad for Fifth Test. Day 1 of the fourth Test was marred for Team India as Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the remainder of the England Series following the confirmation of a toe fracture. Pant sustained the injury when he was struck by a ferocious yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes, forcing him to retire hurt and eventually be taken off on a stretcher.
Initial scans confirmed a fracture of his right toe, and BCCI medical team has prescribed a minimum of six weeks’ recovery, which now rules Pant out of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, scheduled to begin on August 7.
Pant, who was in fluent touch at the time, scoring 37, has been a key part of India’s batting in the middle order and has also been India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the entire tour. Not only has he been an intrinsic part of India’s batting core, but Pant’s absence leaves a gap behind the stumps.
Ishan Kishan added as replacement
To replace Pant’s injury, the selectors will likely invite Ishan Kishan into the squad as an immediate replacement for Pant for the Test at the Oval. As it happened, Kishan was part of the India A squad earlier in the summer and had been playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire. Kishan will likely be included due to his approach to batting and experience with wickets in England. With Dhruv Jurel not showing much with the gloves in a short time, Kishan appears to be a better option.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: India 264/4 At Stumps Despite Pant Injury Blow
Pant’s injury comes at a difficult time in the series, which is currently level. With India wanting to win the series, it will be down to Kishan and the rest of the team to step up in Pant’s absence and have an impact at The Oval.
