Rishabh Pant Brushes Off Injury Scare Before England Test Series, Remains Fit for Opener

Jun, 12 2025

Rishabh Pant Takes a Hit but Stays in the Game

A hush fell over India's practice session on June 9 when Rishabh Pant, the team’s exuberant vice-captain, took a sharp blow to his left hand. It didn’t look great at first. As the delivery smacked his dominant glove, onlookers saw him visibly wincing. Medical staff wasted no time — they rushed over, armed with ice packs, tape, and anxious glances.

Pant, known for his fearless strokeplay and never-say-die attitude, had to walk away from the nets earlier than planned. Teammates eyed him with concern — the prospect of losing their star wicketkeeper-batter just days before the high-stakes five-Test series against England would unsettle any squad.

Thankfully, post-session updates brought relief all around. The medical team checked him thoroughly; no fractures, no deep tissue issues, and, crucially, no reason to worry about his place for the series opener. By the time the lunch break ended, there was no sign of pain in his expressions, and those monitoring his movements saw him flexing his fingers and chatting with coaches without discomfort.

Why Pant's Presence Matters for India Against England

This England tour isn’t just another assignment for Team India. It’s packed with pressure and history, especially given their recent lag in Test wins on English soil. That’s why having Pant fit is critical. He’s not just a safe pair of hands behind the stumps, but also the heartbeat of India’s middle order, the guy who tilts the contest back in India’s favor with counter-attacking play when things get tough. Losing him would shake up the team composition and force less experienced bench players into a turbulent spotlight.

There’s also his leadership role. As vice-captain, Pant brings that unpredictable spark, the kind of impact that can swing a session in India’s favor. Before this scare, the coaching staff had already worked out major plans around his batting position and wicketkeeping strategy. Swapping him out last-minute would have required the team to rethink everything — not something you want before a tour as crucial as this one.

The whole episode also has a lesson: even with the best prep, cricket’s unpredictability keeps everyone on their toes. India’s management was praised for their quick response — medical staff on standby, swift assessment, and clear communication. Fans, who were glued to injury updates online, could breathe normally again — at least for now.

With the first Test now just days away, Pant’s presence in both the batting lineup and behind the stumps remains a reassuring constant for a squad hoping to conquer England’s conditions. And for those who saw the scare up close, the team’s fortunes already feel a little bit safer with India’s vice-captain back in the thick of things.