Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Of Oval Test With Foot Fracture

Rishabh Pant, India's vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the pivotal Fifth Test match against England because of a fractured right foot he suffered on the first day of the Fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

How Did It Happen?

On Day 1, Pant was fielding when his right boot was struck by a reverse sweep from Chris Woakes, resulting in instantaneous swelling and blood loss. He was carried off the field in a golf cart after retiring on 37, clearly in discomfort. Later scans revealed a metatarsal (toe) fracture, necessitating a six-week recuperation period.

What It Means for The Oval Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Narayan Jagadeesan as Pant's replacement for the ENG v IND 2025 Fifth Test, which will start at The Oval on July 31, 2025. Dhruv Jurel, meanwhile, has assumed wicketkeeping responsibilities for the remaining Manchester Test and could fill in behind the wickets in London.

Given his incredible series total of over 479 runs, which included twin hundreds at Headingley and three half-centuries, Pant's absence creates a significant void in India's lineup both in wicketkeeping and middle-order batting. 

 

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