Pant's Fracture Puts Ishan Kishan in Line for England Clash

All eyes are currently on Rishabh Pant’s injury as fans and experts eagerly wait to know if he’ll return to the field for the remaining matches. Now, a major update has surfaced which clears most of the doubts. According to a report by The Indian Express, quoting a source from the BCCI, Pant’s recent scan reports have confirmed a fracture in his foot. Due to this injury, he is expected to stay off the field for at least six weeks.

The incident took place during the fourth Test in Manchester when Pant was batting confidently on 37 runs. He tried to play a pre-planned reverse sweep shot against England pacer Chris Woakes, but he missed the ball, which ended up hitting his boot after a slight inside edge. Initially, the LBW appeal was denied because of the edge, but the damage had already been done.

After the blow, Pant was seen in visible pain. He removed his gloves, called for the physio, and could not even walk without support. Eventually, he was taken off the field on a medical cart. According to the source, “The medical team is trying to see if Pant can come out to bat again after taking a painkiller. But right now, he still needs help to even walk. So, the chances of him batting again are very low.”

This injury is a big setback for Team India, especially with the series still hanging in the balance. The team is already struggling with multiple injury issues. All-rounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy is out due to a knee injury, and fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are also unavailable due to groin and thumb injuries, respectively. Losing Pant, who is one of India’s most aggressive and fearless batters, only adds to the team’s problems.

As Pant is almost confirmed to miss the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which starts on July 31, the selectors are now considering a replacement. Reports suggest that Ishan Kishan is being looked at as the top choice. Kishan, like Pant, is a left-handed batter known for his attacking style. He has already played two Test matches for India and scored 78 runs in three innings, averaging 78.00. He also has a Test half-century to his name.

The return of Ishan Kishan can be important for the team, especially if they are looking for a similar player who can handle pressure and also take up wicketkeeping duties. With Pant sidelined, Team India will need someone reliable behind the stumps and also someone who can provide firepower with the bat in the middle order.

For now, Pant’s comeback in this series looks almost impossible. The focus will now shift to Ishan Kishan or possibly other options for the fifth Test. Pant’s injury has certainly affected Team India’s momentum, and only time will tell how they manage to cope with his absence.