Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of Oval Test After Foot Fracture

India have been dealt a major setback ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out after fracturing his right foot during the fourth Test in Manchester.

The injury occurred in the first innings while Pant was batting on Day 2. Trying to scoop Chris Woakes, he was struck flush on the boot and was clearly in discomfort. Later that evening, scans confirmed the worst — a fracture that would keep him out of action for at least six weeks. Despite the pain and swelling, Pant stunned everyone when he turned up to bat the next day. Not only did he resume his innings, but he also pushed through the pain to notch up a gritty half-century. It was a moment that captured his fearless spirit. Although he wasn’t needed in the second innings — thanks to a gutsy effort from KL Rahul and the rest of the batting unit — Pant’s knock had already left a lasting impression. 

Now, with Pant ruled out, the selectors have brought in Tamil Nadu’s Narayan Jagadeesan as his replacement. The 28-year-old has been knocking on the door for a while with consistent performances in the domestic circuit. In 52 first-class matches, Jagadeesan has scored 3,373 runs at a solid average of 47.50, which includes 10 centuries and 14 fifties. While he lacks international Test experience, he brings temperament and reliability — two things India will desperately need in the final showdown. 

Pant’s absence isn’t just a loss in the scorebook; it’s a massive emotional blow too. The 27-year-old has been one of India’s top performers this series. With 479 runs at an outstanding average of 68.42, he stands third among India’s top scorers in the five-match series. His two centuries and three fifties have often come in pressure situations, and his counter-attacking style has regularly turned the tide in India’s favor. 

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t hold back in praising Pant’s courage after the Manchester draw. “One thing I want to say is that the character and the foundation of this team will be built on what Rishabh did for the team and for the country as well. Any amount of praise is not enough for him, especially batting with a broken foot. Not many people have done that in the past. And he had put his hand up, and that is why I say any amount of praise — I can sit here and talk about this for hours and hours. I think the generations to come forward will talk about this.” 

With the series finely poised, India will miss Pant’s experience and flair behind the stumps and with the bat. After going down in the series opener at Trent Bridge, India bounced back at Edgbaston and then suffered a close defeat at Lord’s. The hard-fought draw at Old Trafford has kept the series alive. A win at The Oval would help India tie the series 2-2, but they’ll have to do it without one of their most fearless players.