In a sudden twist during their tour of England, Team India faces a significant challenge. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been confirmed with a fracture in the big toe of his right foot. Doctors have recommended a rest period of at least 6 weeks, leaving Pant's return shrouded in mystery. On the first day of the Manchester Test, an injured Pant retired hurt, retreating from the ground.
During the 68th over of India's innings, amid scoring 37 runs, Pant attempted a reverse sweep against England's bowler Chris Woakes, only for the ball to ricochet off his bat and strike his shoe, hitting the toe.
Pant then found himself sprawled on the ground, writhing in pain, his foot swollen and beginning to bleed. Unable to walk, he was assisted off the field by the physio and taken away in a medical team vehicle.
Sources from the BCCI confirmed, 'The scan reveals a fracture. He will not be able to play for 6 weeks. The medical team is evaluating if he can bat again with painkillers, but as he's unable to walk, a return to play is highly unlikely.'
Amid this development, the selection committee has opted to draft Ishan Kishan into the squad for the final test (July 31 to August 4, Oval) since Pant will not be available for that match. India is already battling with injury woes. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out with a knee injury, and fast bowlers Aakash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are also not available for the fourth test due to thigh and thumb injuries, respectively.
