Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri discussed whether wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant should play in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Pant should not be included if he cannot play as a wicketkeeper and hitter, according to Ravi Shastri.
Pant injured his finger in the third Test at Lord’s, therefore Dhruv Jurel became the stand-in wicketkeeper. Pant played both innings despite the injury, but he struggled.
Ravi Shastri remarked that Pant would have to field if he could not keep wickets, which could threaten his injury.
If he can’t keep, he probably shouldn’t be a specialised batter because he’ll have to field. Fielding will be terrible. Gloves provide some protection. Getting something that stings in there without gloves is bad. It would exacerbate the injury,” Shastri stated in an ICC Instagram video.
Pant can’t switch wicketkeeping to Jurel.
Pant’s injuries must be thoroughly assessed, the cricketer-turned-commentator said. He advised Pant to rest and recuperate from a fracture or break to be ready for the next match at The Oval rather than risking more damage by playing prematurely.
You must check for a break. He relaxes and returns fit at The Oval if it’s broken. He won’t be replaced. Now they’ll know he’s hurt. He’ll have to keep and bat in the next Test, added the Mumbai-born.
Pant, India’s vice-captain, has scored 425 runs at 70.83 in six innings on tour. India trail 2-1 in the five-match series after losing the third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs. A loss in the fourth Test would give England the series win before the final match.
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