Will Rishabh Pant play 4th IND vs ENG Test? Shubman Gill answers

Rishabh Pant spent much time off the field after being hit on the hand while keeping wickets in the 3rd Test.

India may have suffered a gut-wrenching defeat at Lord’s, but there’s some relief in the camp regarding Rishabh Pant’s fitness. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who sustained a painful blow to his left index finger during the third Test, is expected to recover in time for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, beginning July 23, according to stand-in captain Shubman Gill. The next Test now becomes a must-win for India as they trail the five-match rubber 2-1.

Gill provides update on Rishabh Pant

“He should be fine,” Gill told reporters after the match, indicating there’s “no major injury.” Pant had injured his left-hand finger in the first innings while attempting to collect a wayward delivery from Jasprit Bumrah down the leg side. Although he briefly continued, the discomfort forced him off the field, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in behind the stumps for the rest of the match.

Pant’s value with the bat remains unmatched

Despite not being able to keep wicket, Pant continued to contribute with the bat, walking out at No. 5 in both innings. His gritty 74 in the first innings again showcased his typical flair and fight. However, visible discomfort was evident, particularly in India’s tense chase on Day 5. He often had to let go of the bat with his injured bottom hand while facing the English pace attack, especially Jofra Archer.

Pant’s dismissal when he got clean bowled by Archer for 9 triggered India’s collapse on Day 5, and they fell short by 22 runs in a match that could’ve gone either way. The 26-year-old remains India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series, with 425 runs at an average of 70.83. However, with the ICC unlikely to allow a keeping substitute for a recurring injury, Pant’s full recovery will be key. India can ill afford to go into Old Trafford with a compromised keeper, especially with the series hanging in the balance at 2-1.