Manchester, UK – July 24, 2025 – In a significant setback for Team India, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will not perform wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development today, stating that Pant sustained a toe injury on his right foot on Day 1, but will be available to bat if required. Young Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicketkeeper.
Pant was forced to retire hurt on Day 1 after a toe-crushing yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck him on the right foot. The left-hander was in visible pain and could not continue batting, leaving concerns over his participation. While initial reports from sources cited by Times of India suggested a mild compound fracture and that Pant might be ruled out for the remainder of the series, the BCCI’s official update offers some relief, confirming his availability as a batter. Pant was seen back in his match jersey, rejoining the squad on Day 2.
Chris Woakes, who bowled the delivery that injured Pant, acknowledged the potential impact of his absence. “If Pant is out, which I’m hearing he potentially is, that’s a bit of a blow for them,” Woakes told Sky Sports. “He’s been a great player for them and he’s a challenging player to bowl at.” The England pacer also emphasized the importance of the new ball on Day 2, stating, “With the new ball this morning, we’ve got to make sure we put the ball in the right areas – get two quick ones and we feel we can get through their tail. Typical Test match cricket; the new ball is important, the first hour is important and hopefully we can get ahead in this game.”
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri echoed the concern, calling Pant’s injury a “body blow.” Speaking to Sky Sports, Shastri stated, “It will affect the dressing room, because they will have lost a batter for the game – not just this innings, but for the next innings as well.” He further highlighted Pant’s disruptive influence and the team’s reliance on him in crunch situations: “If India get into a tight position, his services will have been needed. He’s an in-form player, plus the energy he brings in the way he plays, the way he disrupts the opposition attack.” From England’s perspective, Shastri believes this gives them a slight edge: “From England’s point of view, they think ‘at least we can control the game now’. There’s no mad man in the middle to give them sleepless nights – they don’t have that headache anymore.”
Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut in February 2024 and was the Player of the Match in his second Test against England, has prior experience stepping in for Pant, having taken over keeping duties in the third Test at Lord’s due to a finger injury Pant sustained then.
At stumps on Day 1, India were 264/4, with half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58). Rishabh Pant was batting on 37 when he retired hurt. Ravindra Jadeja (16*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) are at the crease. All eyes will now be on how the Indian team manages this crucial injury and how Pant’s potential batting contribution might influence the outcome of this pivotal Test match.