India has faced multiple setbacks during the must-win fourth Test, and one of the biggest concerns is now Rishabh Pant's injury. With England leading the series 2-1, the match is a do-or-die battle for the visitors; a defeat here would result in a series loss despite having one game remaining.
Big Blow: Rishabh Pant Injured Once Again
India's hopes took a blow when vice-captain and in-form batter Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field due to foot injury. Pant, who has been pivotal with the bat this series, attempted an ambitious reverse sweep off Chris Woakes but missed, and the ball struck him hard on his foot.
---Advertisement---
Visibly in agony, Pant was given immediate medical care and was subsequently removed from the field in a buggy. He was immediately taken to the hospital for multiple scans. If the injury is serious, there's a strong likelihood he won't be back for the rest of the match.
---Advertisement---
Second Injury In Two Tests
This is the second consecutive Test match in which Pant has suffered an injury. In the last match at Lord's, he injured his finger while wicket-keeping, which made him unavailable for fielding. Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the wickets during that game.
Who Will Replace Pant?
If Pant is unable to resume wicket-keeping responsibilities in this Test, Dhruv Jurel is likely to come in again. But as far as batting is concerned, Pant cannot be substituted. That means India might effectively lose one batting asset, playing the rest of the match with 9 wickets at their disposal rather than the full 10.
No ICC Approval Yet For Test Substitutions
While the ICC has introduced the idea of like-for-like cover in Test cricket in recent times, the rule has so far only been implemented at the domestic level. International matches have not yet adopted it, so India will not be permitted to have a batting stand-by in Pant's position.