India’s batting coach Sitangshu Kotak has confirmed after the end of the fourth day of the ongoing Test at Old Trafford, on Saturday, that India’s vice-captain Rishav Pant, though ruled out of the pitch for next six weeks, will again enter the pitch with his bat, risking again for the country on the fifth day on Sunday.
When Rishabh Pant grimaced in pain and had to be carried off the field on the first Day of the Manchester Test, it could not be imagined that he would return to play any further part in the game. But the maverick wicketkeeper-batsman stunned the cricket fraternity on the very next day. He came on the pitch, delivered a much-needed 54 at a time when India were struggling for survival.
If this wasn’t enough, India’s vice-captain is set to put himself at risk once again. According to India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, Pant will indeed pad up once again in his quest to save the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant will bat again in the fourth innings, despite him being certain to be unavailable for the fifth and final Test in London.
The trouble began when Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on the first day, only to be struck flush on the right foot. He collapsed in agony and had to be helped off, with initial scans confirming a fractured metatarsal. Reports came that the medical experts ruled him out for six weeks, at least.
But Pant had other plans. On Day 2, ignoring medical advice and the pain, he walked out to bat after the fall of Shardul Thakur. Limping, yet fearless, he took on the English bowlers and smashed a counter-attacking half-century, delighting the Old Trafford crowd. It was a statement indeed.
At stumps on the fourth day, India were 174 for the loss of two wickets in their second innings, still trailing England by 137 runs. Despite the early blows of losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul put on a defiant stand to steady the innings. Their partnership kept India in the game, but with a full day to go, the job is far from finished.
That’s where Pant’s return becomes crucial. Without him, India would be effectively one batter short, something India cannot afford against a quality English attack on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch. “Rishabh will bat tomorrow,” Kotak confirmed to reporters after Day 4 of the Manchester Test.
