IND vs ENG: Bruised but not broken — injured Rishabh Pant shares major update after being ruled out | Cricket News
Rishabh Pant (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England due to a foot fracture. Head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed the injury after India fought back to earn a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant was forced to retire hurt on Day 1 after a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes deflected onto his right foot. He returned limping on Day 2 and went on to score a gritty half-century before being replaced behind the stumps by Dhruv Jurel.“It’s been declared that he’s out of the series,” Gambhir said. “But one thing I want to say is that the character and the foundation of this team will be built on something Rishabh did for the team and for the country. Any amount of praise is not enough for him—especially batting with a broken foot. I think generations to come will talk about it.”Pant later posted a photo of his plastered leg on Instagram, offering fans an update on his condition.“Appreciate all the love and good wishes coming my way. It’s been a real source of strength. I will begin rehab once my fracture heals and I am slowly settling into the process. Staying patinet, following the routines, and giving it my 100 %. Playing for the country has always been thr proudest moment of my life. Can’t wait to be back doing what I love,” Pant wrote on his Instagram story.
His injury also sparked debate around the rules for player substitutions in Test cricket. England captain Ben Stokes dismissed the idea of injury replacements, calling the conversation “ridiculous.”“There would just be too many loopholes,” Stokes said. “You pick your XI for a game. Injuries are part of the game.”England lead the five-match series 2-1 going into the final Test at The Oval, starting Thursday.
