Rishabh Pant Manchester Test: India May Use Vice-Captain in Limited Role
Rishabh Pant Manchester Test fitness update has become one of the biggest talking points in the lead-up to the fourth India vs England Test. With the five-match series standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant is nursing a painful left index finger injury sustained during the third Test at Lord’s.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed on the sidelines of a training session in Beckenham that the team is still assessing Pant’s recovery and that he might only play in a limited capacity if selected.
Injury Impact: Pant’s Finger Limits Wicketkeeping Role
Pant was struck on the left index finger while keeping on Day 2 at Lord’s. Though he batted in both innings—scoring 74 and 9—he did not return to keep wickets. Dhruv Jurel, the reserve wicketkeeper, took over for the remainder of the Test.
Coach ten Doeschate addressed the situation, saying:
“He will bat in Manchester before the Test. I don’t think one is going to keep Rishabh out of the Test, no matter what. He batted with quite a lot of pain in the third Test and it’s only going to get easier on his finger.”
However, the coaching staff is cautious about repeating the mistake of using Pant as a wicketkeeper if he’s not fully fit: Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
“Keeping is obviously the last part of the process… We don’t want to go through that again where we have to replace the keeper halfway through in the innings.”
India’s Cautious Approach: Prioritizing Pant’s Fitness
India’s support staff is focused on giving Pant as much time as possible to recover before making a final call on his availability. The team is expected to make its decision after the first training session at Manchester, scheduled ahead of the match beginning July 23.
“He rested today. We’re just trying to give his finger as long as possible and hopefully he’s good to go,” ten Doeschate added.
If Pant cannot take on the full workload, he may only play as a specialist batter, with Dhruv Jurel handling wicketkeeping duties. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Jurel in the Mix if Pant Isn’t Fully Fit
Should Pant fail to pass the fitness test for keeping, Jurel is expected to step in behind the stumps once again.
“He is in the equation. But obviously, if Rishabh is fit, he plays the next Test and does both,” ten Doeschate clarified.
India’s team management has been transparent in communicating with players about roles and expectations, a key factor in maintaining morale during a long Test series. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
India’s Batting Woes: Losing Wickets in Clusters
Aside from Pant’s injury, India is grappling with the issue of losing wickets in clusters—a pattern that has cost them dearly in both their Test defeats at Headingley and Lord’s. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
“The repetition of losing lots of wickets in a very short space of time has obviously been the key feature of the two losses,” said ten Doeschate. “Losing six wickets for 40 again… we feel cost us the game.”
Despite individual batters showing good form, including stand-in opener Karun Nair, the team has struggled to maintain partnerships, especially during critical phases like just before lunch. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Psychological Factors at Play: Pre-Lunch Collapse Discussion
Another key concern raised by ten Doeschate was India’s recurring tendency to lose a wicket right before the lunch break—a mental lapse that has become a worrying trend.
“Are we losing concentration? Are we getting too excited to get in there? Are we getting complacent in the positions we are? That’s very difficult to draw out of a player,” he noted.
The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of treating every ball as an event and avoiding looking too far ahead. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Manchester Test: A Return After 11 Years
India is set to play a Test in Manchester for the first time in 11 years. While that introduces a sense of unfamiliarity, ten Doeschate believes the team will not use the conditions as an excuse.
“We don’t look for excuses and conditions. We’re playing on the same wickets as the other team.”
The goal is to get the best out of players by understanding the conditions and optimizing combinations accordingly.Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Managing a Large Squad: Keeping Morale High
With an 18-member squad touring England, not everyone has had the opportunity to play. Ten Doeschate emphasized the importance of managing those who haven’t featured yet.
“It’s giving as much attention and care to the guys who aren’t playing… and making sure they get quality practice.”
Open communication, mental readiness, and maintaining dressing room morale have been part of India’s off-field strategy. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Conclusion: India Balances Risk and Reward with Pant
As the clock ticks down to the Manchester Test, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant’s fitness. India may risk playing him only as a batter, a decision that will depend on his condition during training. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
Rishabh Pant Manchester Test update will be a crucial determinant in India’s team combination as they try to level the series. With the stakes high and time short, India will hope that their talismanic vice-captain recovers enough to make a significant impact — in any role he can. Rishabh Pant Manchester Test
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
