Indian team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has given a major update on the fitness of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. He has indicated that Pant may be available to bat in the fourth Test against England in Manchester.
Sports News: A major update has emerged regarding star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant of the Indian cricket team. Ahead of the fourth match of the ongoing Test series between India and England, team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has issued a statement on Pant's fitness. Ryan ten Doeschate clarified that there is no problem with Pant's batting, but his wicket-keeping remains uncertain. If he remains fit, he can play in the fourth Test to be held in Manchester, but for now, his hand injury is a matter of concern for the team management.
Injury in Lord's Test, Dhruv Jurel Kept Wickets
Notably, Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury on the first day of the Lord's Test while catching a ball from Jasprit Bumrah. Due to this, young player Dhruv Jurel was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping for the remaining part of the third Test. However, despite the injury, Pant contributed with the bat, scoring an important 74 runs in the first innings. He could only score 9 runs in the second innings, but his sportsmanship despite the injury was appreciated by everyone.
Indian team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate informed in the press conference that Rishabh Pant batted in a lot of pain during the Lord's Test, but there was no कमी in his enthusiasm. His finger is now improving and he may be seen batting in Manchester. However, wicket-keeping is still a big challenge for him.
He further added that, we do not want to repeat the situation in the Manchester Test like it happened in Lord's under any circumstances, where we had to change the wicketkeeper in the middle of the innings. Therefore, we would like to ensure Pant's full fitness. Wicket-keeping fitness is the last piece of the puzzle.
Team India's Concern: Fourth Test Very Important to Level
The Indian team is currently trailing 1-2 in this five-match Test series and the fourth Test is a do-or-die match for India. If India wins this Test, the series will be leveled 2-2, while England will win the series if they lose. In such a situation, the presence of an experienced and match-winning player like Rishabh Pant becomes very important for Team India.
In the event of Pant not playing, Dhruv Jurel can once again do wicket-keeping, but in terms of batting, Pant's aggressive style gives India a big boost.
Ryan ten Doeschate Expressed Hope, Will Be Fit Soon
Ryan ten Doeschate further said that Rishabh Pant's finger is now gradually recovering. Today he took rest so that there is no obstacle in the recovery. The medical team and physio are monitoring his every situation. It is expected that he will be fully fit by the Manchester Test. If he is fit, he will definitely play in the fourth Test.
He also said that it is not easy to bench a player like Rishabh. We will not take any risks until the medical team gives the green signal. But, if he is ready, Pant will definitely be on the field in Manchester.
Team Management Does Not Want Situation of Changing Keeper in the Middle Again
When Jurel took over the wicket-keeping after Pant's injury in the Lord's Test, the Indian team had to go through a very uncomfortable situation. In such a situation, the team management does not want such a situation to arise again, where the keeper has to be changed during the Test match. Therefore, extra vigilance is being exercised regarding Pant's wicket-keeping fitness.
The Indian team's physio and trainer are working on a special recovery plan for Pant. He has been allowed to practice batting, but wicket-keeping is still being monitored. If the swelling and pain in the finger disappears in the next few days, he can play both roles in Manchester.
Rishabh Pant is considered to be one of the most important players for India in Test cricket. The innings played by him abroad have proved to be game-changers for India on many occasions. His aggressive batting can give India a psychological advantage against a b bowling attack like England.
