Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against England due to a broken toe: here are the latest updates on his injury, as well as news on India's wicketkeeping backup.
How did Pant get injured?
Rishabh Pant hurt himself while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the first innings of the Old Trafford Test. The ball missed his bat and pinged into the side of his right boot, leaving him hobbling in pain. Images showed a bruised and swollen foot, which was later confirmed to be a fracture of the metatarsal bone.
As per the preliminary assessment, Pant will be out for at least six to eight weeks. Dhruv Jurel will keep wicket in his absence.
What's the latest status of Pant's injury?
Pant had to be helped off the field in a buggy after the injury, but valiantly came out to bat later in the innings. Despite his movement being hampered by the fractured foot, he added a further 17 runs, even as India failed to capitalise on a good start, losing their last five wickets for 44 runs.
Also read: Broken arms and torn calves - Seven cricketers who played heroic innings through injury before Pant
It doesn't change the fact that Pant will miss the rest of the series. The bravery was laudable, but it would have also put more pressure on his injured foot, even perhaps adding the risk of aggravating the fracture. The English bowlers did not shy away from targetting the foot either, sending down full deliveries that came close to the area impact, but Pant managed to evade them.
Rishabh Pant injury: Latest news and India's backup keeper updates
11 days ago
Rishabh Pant likely to bat on day five
With India having a chance at drawing the fourth Test, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said at the end of day four, "Rishabh, I think he will bat tomorrow, yes."
12 days ago
Jagadeesan likely to be called up
According to Cricbuzz, Tamil Nadu keeper-batter N Jagadeesan is in contention to be the backup keeper for the fifth Test
12 days ago
Will Kishan be the backup keeper?
According to reports, Kishan had a recent vehicle-related injury, which has required multiple stitches, potentially ruling him out of contention. However, there has been no official word yet.
12 days ago
Will India call a backup keeper?
For the first Test, India could avail the services of a backup keeper. Among the frontrunners is Ishan Kishan. However, his own injury might prevent him from travelling to the UK.
12 days ago
What is India's keeping backup?
Despite the Pant injury, India still has options. Jurel can be an able keeper-bat, while KL Rahul is an option too. He's kept extensively in white-ball cricket, and briefly Test cricket too.
12 days ago
Who keeps in his absence?
Pant will bat if required (he returned to the pitch in the first innings), but Dhruv Jurel will keep for the rest of the Test
12 days ago
What's the timeline of his recovery?
Preliminary assessment has put his recovery at six to eight weeks
12 days ago
Rishabh Pant: The major update
Rishabh Pant is out of the Old Trafford Test after suffering a fracture in his right foot. He will bat if required, but will not keep.
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