Sports News : As anticipated, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval due to a fracture in his right leg. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed his exclusion late Sunday night and announced Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan as his replacement in the squad.
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Pant sustained the injury on Day 2 of the Manchester Test while attempting to scoop a delivery from Chris Woakes, which struck him directly on the foot. He was immediately taken off the field, and scans later confirmed a fracture. According to team sources, he is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.
In a remarkable show of courage, Pant returned the following day to continue his innings and scored a gritty half-century, despite his injury. However, he did not bat in the second innings, where KL Rahul and the middle order managed to force a draw.
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Pant’s fighting spirit, stating,
“This team is built on the grit and sacrifice of players like Rishabh Pant. To bat with a fractured leg is not ordinary — it’s heroic. What he did for the team will be remembered for generations.”
Gambhir also expressed his disappointment over Pant’s injury, especially considering his good form. “It’s unfortunate that just when he was looking at his best, this happened. But we are hopeful for a strong comeback. He remains an integral part of our Test squad,” he added.
India has already dealt with multiple injury setbacks ahead of the fourth Test. Avesh Khan (groin strain), Arshdeep Singh (finger injury), and Nitish Reddy (knee) were all sidelined. While Nitish Reddy is out for the remainder of the series, both Arshdeep and Avesh are back in the squad for the Oval Test.
India squad for the 5th Test:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (wk).
