In a huge development for India, injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has re-joined the Test team at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground and will be available to bat, ‘as per team requirements’. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in the latest update that Pant will not keep wickets still in the match, with Dhruv Jurel set to assume that role, just like he did in the previous match at Lord’s. “Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements,” the BCCI said in a statement. HE’S HERE! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wJmZEfW8mF — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025 Pant fractured his fifth metatarsal (a vulnerable toe bone) during the fourth Test’s first day while batting and was unable to take any further part on the day. The news comes amid contrasting reports on whether he’d still be able to bat in the Test. According to The Indian Express, he has been advised six weeks of rest, which rules him out of the final game at The Oval (which begins on August 31). However, other reports said Pant told the team that he would be open to taking some painkillers and bat for the team, while head coach Gautam Gambhir is also supposedly open to the idea. International Cricket Council (ICC) rules don’t allow injury replacements to bat or bowl, unless it’s a case of concussion. So, while Jurel would be able to take up the ‘keeping duties, he won’t be able to come out to bat instead of Pant in the two innings. Previously, injured players have chosen to come out to bat for their team by compromising on their running. Pant might consider batting alongside the last tailender, though even simple things like walking to change the strike would be painful for him, given the severity of the injury. Meanwhile, the BCCI has started lining up replacements for him for the series. While Ishan Kishan has been considered, he’s said to be injured too.