Rishabh Pant ruled out for six weeks due to fractured metatarsal, Dhruv Jurel to keep wickets in India vs England 4th Test.

Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets for the remainder of the 4th Test against England due to a fractured right foot, but will be available to bat if required. Dhruv Jurel will assume the wicket-keeping duties. Pant has been ruled out for six weeks with a metatarsal fracture.

The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford saw a significant development on the first day, with India's Rishabh Pant retiring hurt after a ball from Chris Woakes struck his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep. A subsequent scan confirmed a fractured metatarsal, ruling Pant out for six weeks [2].

Wicket-Keeping Duties

With Pant unavailable for the remainder of the match, Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper for India. This change in personnel is a notable shift for the team, as Pant's aggressive batting style and wicket-keeping skills have been integral to India's performance in recent matches. Jurel, who has previously played for India A, will need to adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment of Test cricket [2].

Batting Lineup

Despite his injury, Pant remains available to bat if required by the team. This flexibility allows India to maintain a strong batting lineup, although the absence of Pant's aggressive strokeplay could impact the team's scoring rate. The BCCI has confirmed that Pant will be available to bat if needed, depending on the team's requirements [2].

Impact on the Series

India currently trails the five-match series 1-2, with the final Test at The Oval set for July 31. Pant's injury adds to India's growing list of concerns, as the team must now navigate the selection puzzle without one of their most dynamic players. The BCCI has stated that Ishan Kishan, who recently played County cricket, is likely to be called up as a replacement for Pant [2].

Conclusion

The injury to Rishabh Pant is a significant blow to India's batting and wicket-keeping lineup. While the team has options to replace Pant, the absence of his aggressive batting style and wicket-keeping skills will be felt throughout the remainder of the series. The BCCI's decision to keep Pant available for batting, if required, shows a strategic approach to managing the team's resources. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining how India recovers from this setback and secures a victory in the series.

References

[1] https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cg4r6g0rgdpo
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/rishabh-pant-injury-fractured-toe-bcci-update-india-vs-england-test-125072401109_1.html