India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is reportedly ready to bat on Day 5 of the fourth Test against England, despite suffering a fractured toe, as confirmed by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Pant’s Courageous Return
Rishabh Pant sustained a fractured toe on Day 1 of the Test while attempting a reverse sweep. This injury forced him to retire hurt from the game.
Remarkably, Pant showcased immense bravery by returning to the crease. He batted on what was described as “almost one foot” and managed to score a crucial 54 runs from 75 balls. Dhruv Jurel has been handling the wicketkeeping duties in his absence.
Originally, Pant was advised six weeks of rest and wasn’t expected to be at the ground on Day 2. However, he was seen in the dressing room fully geared up and later hobbled out after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal.
Praise for Gill and Rahul’s Resilience
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded the valiant efforts of skipper Shubman Gill and opener KL Rahul. The duo forged a vital 174-run partnership for the third wicket, playing a crucial role in India’s efforts to save the Test match.
Their stand came after a challenging start for India, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan both dismissed in consecutive deliveries by Chris Woakes in the very first over of the innings.
Kotak highlighted the team’s belief, even after losing early wickets. He stated that the batters had the conviction to take their time and assess the conditions, which ultimately paid off.
Understanding the Wicket Conditions
Addressing the pitch, Kotak mentioned that while a five-day wicket will naturally show wear and tear, it has largely played well. He noted only “the odd ball turning,” suggesting manageable conditions for batting.
The coach credited the batters for their determination and how they approached the innings, adapting to what the pitch offered.
Shubman Gill’s Evolved Mindset
Kotak also shed light on Shubman Gill’s impressive performance, attributing it to a significant shift in his mindset. He observed a noticeable difference in Gill’s approach compared to his previous outings, like the Australia series.
While discussions took place, Kotak gave full credit to Gill for making critical decisions on the wicket. He praised Gill for successfully executing certain shots and, equally importantly, for intelligently avoiding others, showcasing improved maturity in his game.
- Rishabh Pant is available to bat on Day 5 despite a fractured toe.
- He scored a brave 54 runs from 75 balls on Day 1 while injured.
- Shubman Gill and KL Rahul forged a crucial 174-run partnership to stabilize India’s innings.
- Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Gill’s improved mindset and shot selection.
The focus now shifts to Day 5, where India will aim to either save the Test or push for an unlikely victory, with Pant’s potential batting adding another layer of drama.
