Team India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s toe injury has thrown the tourists into a tricky position as the former has been ruled out of the series now. Although Dhruv Jurel will step in to keep wickets in place of Pant in the game, it’s worth exploring whether he can substitute him as a batter, given Team India will be one short for the remaining Test.
Pant, 27, sustained the toe injury during the 68th over of the innings on day one as he tried to play a reverse-sweep off a yorker length from Chris Woakes. Instead, the ball took the inside edge and hit him on the toe, leaving Pant in agony. After the star cricketer removed his shoe and socks, the wound was seen bleeding and he had to be carried off in a golf cart.
Fingers crossed for our X-factor
Speedy recovery, Rishabh!#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/ZHfyMvMfNx
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 23, 2025
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Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.
He was taken for scans from the stadium.
The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025
According to the rules, Team India will get a replacement as a keeper but that particular player will not be able to bat during their innings. As per the guidelines, replacements are only allowed when a player sustains a concussion.