Ishan Kishan, who was tipped to replace Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match, is not fit, TimesofIndia.com has learnt.“Ishan has suffered an ankle injury and has ten stitches on his left foot after he fell from a scooty,” a source tracking the development told TimesofIndia.com.
“Selectors did reach out to Ishan, but only on Thursday. His stitches have been removed and he currently has a plaster on his left ankle.”However, there is no official update from the BCCI, but TimesofIndia.com can confirm that Rishabh Pant has broken his foot, is out for six-eight weeks, and will need lengthy rehabilitation.It is reliably learnt that the 27-year-old will begin his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, was considered a like-for-like replacement for Pant. Kishan, who was in line to replace Pant, was also part of the India A squad and had recently signed a short-term deal with Nottinghamshire, where he impressed with scores of 87 and 77 against Yorkshire and Somerset.Rishabh Pant sustained the injury while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes on Wednesday, forcing him to retire hurt at 37 and undergo scans.Pant arrived at Old Trafford wearing a protective orthopedic boot after additional scans revealed the severity of his injury.However, BCCI in a statement has said that Pant is available to bat as per team requirement. “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,” BCCI said in a statement. “Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements.”
