Ishan Kishan likely to replace injured Rishabh Pant in India squad for 5th test against England – Reports

Rishabh Pant has reportedly suffered a fractured toe after getting hit on the foot on day one of the ongoing fourth test.

Ishan Kishan is expected to be added to Team India‘s roster for the fifth and final test at the Oval, replacing the injured Rishabh Pant, as per the reports in the Indian Express. The vice-captain of the side has been ruled out of the current test series against England. This came after he injured his toe on day one of the ongoing Manchester test, on July 23.

India got off to a great start with a 94-run partnership between openers KL Rahul (46) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58). Jaiswal and Sudharsan added another 26 runs after Rahul left, but Dawson dismissed Jaiswal. Pant was called on after Ben Stokes dismissed Shubman Gill for 12.

Pant appeared to be in top form, scoring 37 runs off rapid deliveries, including two boundaries and a six. He attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the 68th over of the day but was caught flush on the boot.

The Indian medical and physio personnel needed to help Pant right away because he was clearly in pain. When Pant’s right toe was checked, there was obvious edema. Pant, writhing with each touch, was eventually carried from the field by a medical buggy to receive further treatment.

The Indian squad’s management immediately transported him to a hospital for scans, and it was revealed that Pant suffered a fractured right toe.

“The scan report showed a fracture, and he is ruled out for six weeks. The medical team is trying to see if he can come out to bat again by taking a painkiller. He still needs support to walk, though, and chances of his batting look very bleak,” a source in the BCCI confirmed to The Indian Express.

This is the second injury Pant has suffered in this series, after the finger injury he had in the Lord’s test.

Ishan Kishan asked to join the Indian squad for the fifth test at the Oval

Reports have suggested that Ishan Kishan, who is currently in England playing the County Championship for Northamptonshire, has been asked to join the Indian squad for the fifth and final test at the Oval that begins on July 31. Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over keeping duties in Manchester and replace Pant for the final test at The Oval; Ishan will be the backup keeper.

“The selection committee will add Ishan Kishan to the squad ahead of the fifth Test, as Pant won’t be part of the final Test match, which will be played from July 31 to August 4 at The Oval,” a report in The Indian Express stated.

Ishan last played for India in a T20I against Australia in November 2023, and he had previously played two tests against the West Indies.

Ishan has been on a roller-coaster trip over the last year. In 2024, he was notably removed from the BCCI’s Central Contract list for failing to follow the board’s necessary rule of playing domestic cricket. He then appeared for Jharkhand in domestic cricket during the 2024-25 season, eventually regaining his contract earlier this year in April.

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