Pant Sidelined: Jagadeesan Steps In
Injury Forces Pant Out of Final Test
India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the fifth Test against England after fracturing his right foot during the fourth Test in Manchester. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the injury, naming Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan as his replacement for the series finale at Kennington Oval, starting July 31, 2025.
Pant, 27, sustained the injury on the opening day of the fourth Test while attempting a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes. Despite retiring hurt at 37, he bravely returned to bat after India lost Shardul Thakur at 314/6, scoring a gritty fifty. Post-match scans revealed the fracture, ruling him out of the crucial decider.
The BCCI medical team is monitoring Pant’s recovery, with secretary Devajit Saikia wishing him a speedy return. Jagadeesan, a reliable wicketkeeper-batter, joins India’s updated squad, which includes Shubman Gill (captain), Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, among others, as the team aims to finish the series strongly.
Also Read: India’s Young Batsmen Silence Critics in England Test, Says Manjrekar
Also Read: Sable’s Minor Injury Won’t Derail World Championships Prep
