Rishabh Pant has temporarily left the field after suffering a right toe fracture while attempting a risky reverse sweep off Chris Woakes on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. While he bravely returned to score a gritty fifty in the first innings, Pant has not taken the gloves in England’s reply; Dhruv Jurel is keeping wickets in his place. With a six-week rest now advised, fans are eagerly awaiting an update on Rishabh Pant injury and wondering: can Dhruv Jurel bat in place of Pant if India needs a stand-in hero in the following match?
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Update on Rishabh Pant Injury
Rishabh Pant’s injury came in dramatic fashion on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Facing England pacer Chris Woakes, Pant attempted an audacious reverse sweep—a shot rarely seen against fast bowlers. Unfortunately, the ball struck him flush on the right toe, causing immediate discomfort. Despite the pain, Pant soldiered on and scored a courageous half-century. However, scans later revealed a fracture in his right toe. As a result, he has been ruled out of wicketkeeping duties and is unlikely to bat again in the 5th match. (however Pant himself wants to play) The medical team has recommended a minimum six-week rest to aid recovery.
Related Article：Ouch! Rishabh Pant Retired Hurt Moments After 1000 Runs in England
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Can Dhruv Jurel Bat In Place of Pant?
Dhruv Jurel cannot bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the 4th Test between India and England. While the MCC rules allow a substitute fielder or wicketkeeper, meaning Jurel can step in behind the stumps with the umpires’ permission; he cannot replace Pant as a batter.
According to current ICC playing conditions (specifically section 24.1.2), a substitute is not permitted to bowl, bat, or act as captain; they may only field or keep wickets if allowed by the umpires. Although the ICC has announced plans to trial a like-for-like injury replacement rule in domestic First-Class matches from October 2025, this regulation is not yet in effect for international games. Hence, if Rishabh Pant is unable to bat in the second innings due to his fractured toe, India will have to play one batter short, and Jurel cannot take his place with the bat.
The Importance of Pant
Rishabh Pant’s injury at this stage of the fourth Test is a significant blow to India’s chances; both tactically and psychologically. In the first three Tests of the series, Pant has been one of India’s standout performers. With the bat, he’s brought crucial runs under pressure, often counterattacking when India has been in trouble. His fearless strokeplay has shifted momentum more than once, and his half-century in the third Test helped India post a competitive total. Behind the stumps, he’s been sharp, vocal, and reliable, pulling off key acrobatic takes that have kept bowlers energized.
Related Article：“No Way He’s Playing!” — Then Comes Rishabh Pant Batting After Injury
Now, with a fractured toe ruling him out from wicketkeeping duties and potentially from batting, India is suddenly a batter short at a critical juncture in the match. His absence disrupts India’s middle order. Pant is not only capable of scoring quickly but also anchoring an innings when needed. Replacing his versatility and confidence under pressure is no easy task.
A huge roar from the Manchester crowd when Rishabh Pant appeared on the screen.
– HE EARNED A LOT OF RESPECT AT A VERY YOUNG AGE. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/N4YiwpIPuU
— 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Rishabhian_17) July 27, 2025
Moreover, Pant’s energy on the field—his chatter, encouragement, and reading of the game—adds intangible value to India’s defensive efforts. Dhruv Jurel, though promising, is still finding his feet in international cricket. While he can fill in with the gloves, the team will deeply feel Pant’s absence in crunch moments. In a must-win Test at Old Trafford, India not only loses a world-class keeper-batter but also a match-winner who thrives in adversity.
Road Ahead Looks Steep for Team India
After the 4th match drawn, with India trailing 2-1 in the series and now missing key players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and Rishabh Pant, the injury list is growing longer than England’s slip cordon. Pant’s toe fracture adds further pressure on an already depleted squad, leaving fans wondering not just can Dhruv Jurel bat in place of Pant, which he can’t, but who will step up next. (Updated: Narayan Jagadeesan named replacement.)
🚨 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 🚨
Rishabh Pant ruled out of fifth Test due to injury; N Jagadeesan named replacement.
All The Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2025
While Dhruv Jurel admirably dons the gloves, the update on Rishabh Pant injury confirms he’s unlikely to bat again in the series. Ahead the final Test, India will need a spirited fightback and a bit of magic from their remaining XI to keep the series alive. For now, fingers crossed, and toes protected for a turnaround!
