After losing the third match of the 5-match Test series against England, the Indian team is in a do-or-die situation. The Shubman Gill-led team will have to win the fourth Test to be held in Manchester from July 23 at all costs. If this does not happen, the England team will gain an unassailable lead, and India’s dream of winning the Test series in England after 18 years will remain unfulfilled.
The biggest problem for the Indian team before the Manchester Test is Rishabh Pant’s injury, due to which he could not do wicketkeeping at Lord’s. Pant did neither batting nor wicketkeeping practice at Beckenham on Thursday (July 17) after injuring the index finger of his left hand while trying to stop Jasprit Bumrah’s ball.
Ravi Shastri’s warning
Meanwhile, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate also hinted at playing Pant as a specialist batsman. He also said that the Indian team wants to give him a full chance to fully recover from the injury. The team wants Rishabh to also take over wicketkeeping duties. It is in the best interest of the Indian team that he does not take risks. Pant should get a chance in the playing XI only when he is fully fit. If Pant plays and his injury worsens in the middle of the match, there will be no substitute available in his place.
What do the ICC rules say?
ICC Rule 24.1 gives information about the absence of fielders and substitutes. Rule 24.1.1.1: Clarifies that if the umpires are satisfied that a player is injured or ill during the match, or for any other acceptable reason, a substitute fielder may be allowed. Rule 24.1.1.2: It states that substitute fielders are not allowed in any other situation. This means that if Pant’s injury worsens during the match and he is unable to do wicketkeeping, the Indian team will not get his replacement. In such a situation, the team will have to play with only 10 fielders, which can be a big disadvantage in a Test match.
Will playing Pant-Jural affect the batting combination
Keeping in mind the ICC rules, if both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are played, it can disturb the batting combination. If Jurel is included in the team in place of Karun Nair, the biggest problem will be who will play at number 3? Shubman Gill is an option, but he has performed brilliantly at number four. In such a situation, why take the risk of playing him at number 3? Jurel can be played in place of Nitish Reddy, but will Gautam Gambhir be able to give up his fascination for all-rounders?
KL Rahul should not be burdened with work
If Rishabh Pant plays as a wicketkeeper and his injury worsens, then KL Rahul can do wicketkeeping. Rahul had taken up the responsibility of wicketkeeper in South Africa, but wicketkeeping as an opener in a Test match will increase his workload. It will not be easy to bat after keeping for one and a half to two days. Rahul has also had injury problems. In such a situation, it would be unfair to put additional pressure on him.
Why so much hurry
The Indian team has a strong option like Dhruv Jurel as a wicketkeeper and batsman. He can prove to be good in both roles. There is also a debate on playing him as a specialist batsman. Then why so much hurry about Rishabh Pant? Pant may be out of the last Test or for a long time. The team needs to make careful decisions so that the chance to win the series does not slip away.