As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford starting July 23, all eyes are on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s fitness.
Pant’s Injury Update
- Pant injured his finger during the third Test at Lord’s, forcing Dhruv Jurel to take over wicketkeeping duties.
- Despite his injury, Pant still batted in both innings at Lord’s, showing his team spirit.
Shastri’s Advice on Pant’s Return
Ravi Shastri, former India coach, has advised the team not to risk Pant if he isn’t fully fit:
- Shastri said Pant should only play if he can keep wickets properly.
- If Pant can’t keep and is used only as a batter, he would have to field, which might make his finger injury 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 and may worsen the injury,” Shastri said.
- If Pant’s finger is fractured or badly hurt, Shastri suggests he should rest and try returning fully fit for the final Test at The Oval.
Why Pant’s Fitness Matters
- Pant has been one of India’s top performers on this tour, with 425 runs and an average of 70.83 in six innings.
- India is currently trailing the series 2-1 after losing the third Test at Lord’s. The upcoming match is a must-win to keep their series hopes alive.
What’s Next?
The team management is giving Pant as much time as possible to recover. A final decision on his participation in the fourth Test will depend on his fitness assessment closer to the match day.
Fans will be hoping for positive news, as Pant’s presence behind the stumps and with the bat has been vital for India in this series.
