With India eagerly waiting for news about Rishabh Pant's fitness before the fourth Test against England in Manchester, former head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed fears about playing him as a pure batter. The match, which starts on July 23, could see alterations based on Pant's fitness.
Pant, who scored 74 and 9 in the third Test at Lord's, received a blow to his left index finger on the first day and did not field as wicketkeeper thereafter. In his stead, Dhruv Jurel acted as the stand-in keeper.
Speaking in a video posted on the ICC's Instagram handle on Friday, Shastri stated, "I don't think he (Pant) should go in as a specialist batter if he can't keep because he'll have to field, and if he fields, that'll be worse. It's because with the gloves, at least there's some protection. Without gloves, if he gets something that stings him there, then it won't be very good. It'll worsen the injury.
India, losing 1-2 in the five-match series after a 22-run defeat, is also hoping Pant will come good in time. Captain Shubman Gill had previously indicated his confidence in Pant's availability for the Manchester Test. While practicing on Thursday at Beckenham, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that the support staff is giving Pant sufficient time to recuperate.
Shastri also speculated about the extent of the injury, commenting, "Also, you've got to check if it's a break. If it's a break or a fracture, I don't know, I'm not in the dressing room, then I feel he'd like to rest and come fully fit at The Oval. But he won't get a replacement. Now, they will realize that he has been hurt."
He highlighted the need for Pant to be match-fit to do both batting and wicketkeeping, adding, "When you select the side for the next Test, he'll have to keep and he'll have to bat. He can't do one of the two. It's good if he is fully fit. If it is not a crack, I think he'll play. If it is not a crack, there's still roughly eight or nine days, he should be alright."
With India weighing its options, everyone awaits Pant's recovery and whether he'll be fit enough to play in both roles for the make-or-break fourth Test.
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