Manchester:
India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to miss the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after sustaining a serious foot injury on Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him in the squad.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the…
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
Like-for-like Replacement in the Works
The left-handed Ishan Kishan, who last featured for India in a T20I against Australia in November 2023, is expected to be drafted in as a like-for-like replacement for Pant. A formal announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected soon.
Though the BCCI and the team management are yet to officially confirm the severity of Pant’s injury, sources indicate that he has been ruled out of the fifth Test, which begins at The Oval on July 31. The team is unlikely to delay naming his replacement for long, given the short turnaround.
Kishan’s Form in County Cricket Boosts His Case
Kishan recently signed a short-term contract with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and made a solid impression in the County Championship, scoring 87 and 77 in his two outings against Yorkshire and Somerset respectively. Despite this form, it is believed that Kishan has since returned to India.
The recall, if confirmed, will mark a significant moment in Kishan’s comeback journey. The wicketkeeper-batter was sidelined earlier for disciplinary reasons after failing to honour domestic commitments, despite his record-breaking ODI double century in Bangladesh in 2022.
Other Wicketkeeping Options
With Pant out of action, Dhruv Jurel, already part of the Test squad, is expected to continue wicketkeeping duties in the ongoing Manchester Test. Jurel has been part of the national red-ball setup in recent months and is seen as a long-term option.
Meanwhile, KS Bharat, another backup wicketkeeper who is currently playing club cricket for Dulwich CC in England, is unlikely to be considered for a Test recall. Although Bharat has Test experience, the selectors are believed to be prioritizing match-fit and centrally contracted players.
There is also the experienced KL Rahul, who has kept wickets in major ICC tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy. However, given his ongoing recovery from a quadriceps strain and focus on batting, the team management may prefer not to risk him behind the stumps.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant Injury: A Massive Setback to India’ s Comeback in the Series
India’s Likely Wicketkeeping Options for the Oval Test
| Player | Current Status | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | Recently played County cricket; back in India | High |
| Dhruv Jurel | Already in Test squad; currently playing | Very High |
| KS Bharat | Playing club cricket in England | Low |
| KL Rahul | Returning from injury; part of squad | Moderate |
While the Indian team awaits formal clarity on Rishabh Pant’s injury, Ishan Kishan looks set for a comeback that could redefine his Test career. His form, experience, and aggressive style make him a natural fit to fill the void left by Pant. With one Test left in the high-stakes series, India’s choice of wicketkeeper could prove crucial to the series’ outcome.
