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In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will reportedly be unable to step in for the injured Rishabh Pant in the upcoming fifth Test against England. This development comes as a blow to the team management, which was considering Kishan as a potential replacement after vice-captain Pant sustained a fractured toe on the opening day of the fourth Test in Manchester.
The unexpected setback for Ishan Kishan
The reason behind Kishan’s unavailability has emerged as a surprising and unfortunate incident. According to a report by the Times of India, Kishan is currently nursing a left foot injury that required ten stitches, sustained after he fell from a scooty. The report further clarified that while the national selectors did attempt to contact the young southpaw as a potential stand-in for Pant, his current physical condition precluded him from immediate cricketing duties. Despite the stitches having been removed, Kishan’s left ankle still requires a plaster, indicating that his recovery is ongoing.
This injury effectively rules out any immediate return to competitive cricket for Kishan, who recently participated in the County Championship for Northamptonshire, gaining valuable experience in English conditions. His participation there had made him a logical choice for a potential call-up. However, with the current injury, Kishan is now slated to commence his rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, focusing on regaining full fitness. This unforeseen personal accident has thus extinguished the possibility of him joining the Indian squad for the crucial series decider.
Also WATCH: Jofra Archer’s lethal delivery knocks Rishabh Pant’s off-stump out of the ground on Day 2 of Manchester Test
Rishabh Pant’s injury update
Meanwhile, Pant’s own injury saga continues to unfold. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter was struck on his leg by a delivery from England paceman Chris Woakes during the first day of the fourth Test, an impact that forced him to be carried off the field. Visuals showed Pant visibly hobbling and in considerable pain, struggling to bear weight on his injured leg as he was assisted back to the dressing room. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed a fractured toe, raising immediate concerns about his participation in the remainder of the series.
Despite the injury, Pant displayed remarkable resilience by returning to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test, even scoring a half-century in India’s first innings total of 54. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant would not be able to fulfil his wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the ongoing match. Dhruv Jurel took on the keeping gloves, when India returned to bowl against the strong Indian batting line-up.
Also READ: ENG vs IND – N Jagadeesan set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the 5th Test
