India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be available to bat on Day 5 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Pant had suffered a toe fracture on Day 1, which forced him to leave the field immediately.
Despite the injury, Pant showed resilience by returning on Day 2 to complete a gritty half-century, scoring 54 off 75 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. With India likely to rely on him again in a crucial phase on the final day, Kotak assured that the star batter is ready to step up once more.
“I believe he’ll be batting tomorrow,” Kotak stated during the post-day press conference.
Additionally, the Indian batting coach emphasized that the players must assess each delivery carefully on the final day and steer clear of taking any unnecessary risks.
“Don’t be pre-planned. Play to the merit of the ball. Avoid unnecessary riks. If you are set and then you cut down on undue risks, the only way you can get out is if the ball behaves badly after pitching or if you get a brilliant delivery. These boys have the quality.”
“They have the ability to do what they did today on Day 5. All these are all format players. Everybody is playing the IPL and international cricket. Your mindset is important. Your need to train your mind to play the situation. It takes mental effort more than skill,” he added.
Rahul And Gill Steady India With Unbeaten 174-Run Partnership After First-Over Collapse
India ended Day 4 at 174 for 2, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill unbeaten at the crease. The pair stitched together a solid 174-run partnership for the third wicket after the team suffered early setbacks, losing Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the very first over.
Despite the recovery, India still trail by 137 runs in their second innings and face a tough task on Day 5 to save the Test. With the team aiming to bat through the entire day to prevent an England win and stay alive in the series, Rishabh Pant’s presence will be crucial.
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