ENG Vs IND: Will Rishabh Pant Play The Fourth Test? Shubman Gill Responds

India’s hopes of leveling the Test series against England were dealt a significant blow at Lord’s—not just by a narrow 22-run defeat, but by the sudden injury scare surrounding one of their most crucial players: Rishabh Pant.

As the dust settles on a thrilling third Test that ended in heartbreak for the visitors, all eyes have turned to Pant’s fitness. The fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, beginning July 23, is now a must-win for India, who trail 2-1 in the five-match series. And for India to bounce back, Rishabh Pant’s availability is not just important—it’s essential.

The Lord’s Drama: Pant’s Injury Sparks Panic

The drama began on Day 2 at Lord’s, during England’s first innings. It was the 34th over, with Jasprit Bumrah steaming in. As he delivered a rising ball, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant—standing up to the stumps—tried to collect it cleanly. The ball struck his left index finger awkwardly, and Pant was immediately seen wincing in pain.

The physio rushed out, and the sight of Pant grimacing while clutching his finger sent alarm bells ringing—not only in the Indian dressing room but across millions of television screens back home.

Though he managed to see out the rest of the over, Pant could not continue behind the stumps, and Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. It was the first sign that the injury could be serious.

Batting Through the Pain: A Gritty Display

Despite the injury, Rishabh Pant showed immense courage with the bat. Coming in at No. 5 in both innings, he produced a crucial 74 off 112 balls in the first innings—an effort that kept India in the game when they were teetering at 110 for 4.

What made his knock even more commendable was his clear discomfort. Observers noted that Pant repeatedly took his injured hand off the bat handle after playing shots, especially when trying to flick or cut. Every time the ball met the bat, a flicker of pain crossed his face.

Even on Day 5, as India chased 275 in testing conditions, Pant tried to soldier on. Though his second-innings contribution was modest, the resilience he displayed left fans and pundits applauding.

Gill’s Calm Amid Concern: Injury Update Offers Relief

After the match, speculation was rife. Was Pant seriously injured? Would he miss the crucial fourth Test? Was a replacement being considered?

Thankfully, India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill offered some relief in the post-match press conference.

“Rishabh went for scans, and there’s no major injury. So he should be fine for the next Test,” Gill assured reporters.

Gill admitted that Pant had been in visible pain and had to grit through it. But he emphasized that the scans revealed no fracture or ligament tear, and the medical team was optimistic about his recovery.

“I think Rishabh is fine—he didn’t suffer a major injury, which is good news. I think he should be fine for the next Test match.”

With nine days before the Manchester Test, India’s management and fans are hopeful that their talismanic wicketkeeper will recover in time.

India’s Dependence on Pant: More Than Just a Keeper

The importance of Rishabh Pant to this Indian team goes beyond stats—but the numbers alone are staggering.

In the ongoing series against England, Pant is India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 425 runs in six innings at an average of 70.83. Only opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is ahead of him.

His attacking approach has consistently put England’s bowlers under pressure and allowed India to counterpunch in difficult situations. Whether it’s reverse-sweeping the spinners or taking on James Anderson with audacity, Pant’s presence brings a sense of fearlessness that few others possess.

Behind the stumps, too, Pant has evolved. Once criticized for erratic glovework, he has worked hard to sharpen his keeping, especially against spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. His energy, chirping, and ability to change the tempo are intangible assets that India would sorely miss.

Dhruv Jurel’s Solid Backup, But…

In Pant’s absence behind the stumps at Lord’s, young Dhruv Jurel did a commendable job. Safe with the gloves and calm under pressure, Jurel certainly proved he is a promising option for the future.

But the gap between a fit Pant and his replacement is not just technical—it’s tactical and psychological.

Pant provides balance to the batting lineup, allowing India to play five bowlers with confidence. If he’s unavailable, India may be forced to reshuffle their combination, potentially weakening their batting depth or bowling strength.

Jurel may be a fine wicketkeeper, but he doesn’t yet offer the batting impact that Pant consistently provides. That’s why Pant’s fitness could directly shape India’s XI at Old Trafford.

India’s Situation: Now or Never in Manchester

With the series poised at 2-1 in favor of England, India faces a do-or-die situation at Old Trafford. A loss would hand England the series. A win would level it, setting up a thrilling decider at The Oval.

This context makes Pant’s availability even more critical.

Not only is he a big-match player—remember his iconic 89* at the Gabba in 2021?—but he also thrives under pressure. When India needs inspiration, Pant often provides it in style.

The Old Trafford pitch, which has historically offered pace and bounce, might suit Pant’s strokeplay. His ability to counterattack, especially in the middle overs, could be the key to unsettling England’s bowling plans.

Recovery Timeline: Can Pant Be Match-Ready in 9 Days?

According to the Indian team’s medical update, no fracture was detected. The injury appears to be a soft tissue contusion, which—while painful—generally heals in 7–10 days with proper rest and rehabilitation.

Pant has already started light rehabilitation, with ice therapy and movement exercises. The goal is to reduce swelling and regain full flexibility in his finger.

If there are no complications, he is expected to resume batting practice in 3–4 days, followed by light wicketkeeping drills. The Indian management remains hopeful of his full fitness by July 21, two days before the Test begins.

Fans Rally Behind Pant: A National Concern

Social media has erupted in support for Rishabh Pant. Hashtags like #ComebackPant, #PantForManchester, and #PantTheWarrior trended for hours after the Lord’s Test.

Former cricketers have also voiced their support.

VVS Laxman tweeted: “What character from Rishabh Pant. Batting with pain, fighting for his team. Wishing him a speedy recovery. India needs you in Manchester!”
Sourav Ganguly, speaking on a sports channel, said: “Pant has become a player who can change games in two sessions. India must wrap him in cotton wool till Manchester.”

Even opposition players like Joe Root acknowledged Pant’s grit: “He’s a tough competitor. We always have to plan specially for him.”

India’s Selection Puzzle: Plan A Hinges on Pant

If Pant is declared fit, India is likely to retain a similar playing XI, possibly making only bowling tweaks depending on conditions.

However, if he is ruled out:

Dhruv Jurel will take the gloves.
India might bring in an extra batter like KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan.
Or they could strengthen the bowling unit with Mukesh Kumar or Kuldeep Yadav, depending on the pitch.

But all these plans revolve around one question: Will Pant be ready?

The Bigger Picture: Pant’s Role Beyond This Series

Pant’s journey back into the Indian side after a horrific car accident in late 2022 is already the stuff of legends. His determination, rehabilitation, and comeback have inspired countless fans.

This injury, fortunately, is minor in comparison—but it reminds everyone of his fragility and value.

In the longer run, managing Pant’s workload, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 and WTC Final qualification race ahead, will be critical.

For now, though, India needs him in Manchester. Badly.

Manchester Beckons, and So Does Destiny

The fourth Test at Old Trafford is no ordinary contest. It could decide the trajectory of this series, influence the ICC Test Championship points table, and redefine the careers of several Indian players.

And right at the heart of it all is Rishabh Pant—a warrior with a bruised finger, an iron will, and a nation praying for his return.

Will he be fit? All signs point to yes.

Will he deliver? History suggests he will.

As India prepares for Manchester, the country holds its breath—not just for a win, but for the return of its bravest cricketer.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/