Team India suffers a setback as Rishabh Pant is ruled out of the England Test series due to a fractured toe.

The injury comes as a major blow to India’s Test campaign, raising concerns over wicketkeeping and middle-order stability.

The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman sustained the injury during a training session ahead of the opening Test match. Medical reports confirmed a toe fracture, which will require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation, making him unavailable for the entire series against England.

Pant, who recently returned to international cricket after recovering from a serious car accident, was expected to play a crucial role in the five-match Test series. His absence now forces the Indian selectors to rework their squad and possibly rely on backup options like KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan for both wicketkeeping and lower-middle-order batting responsibilities.

Head coach Rahul Dravid expressed disappointment over the injury, stating, “It’s unfortunate timing. Rishabh was shaping up really well and looked confident in practice. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Cricket fans and experts have expressed concerns over the increasing number of injuries plaguing the Indian squad. Pant’s exit follows a growing list of sidelined players, raising questions about workload management and fitness protocols.

Further updates on Pant’s recovery timeline and replacement announcement are expected soon from the BCCI