Rishabh Pant will not take part in the Asia Cup 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter has still not recovered from the toe injury he picked up during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. He is also doubtful for the two-match Test series against the West Indies scheduled in October.
Pant injured his foot while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the fourth Test in Manchester. The ball struck him on the toe. He did not take the field for the remainder of the match as wicket-keeper and was eventually ruled out of the fifth Test at The Oval. Initial scans revealed a toe fracture that would keep him out for at least six weeks.
Although surgery is not required, the injury has disrupted Rishabh Pant’s return to regular action. While he was expected to recover in six weeks, fresh reports have confirmed that he will skip the upcoming Asia Cup and may also miss the West Indies Test series, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad.
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Blow for India’s Red-Ball Plans Because of Rishabh Pant’s Injury
Pant’s absence may not heavily impact India's white-ball setup, where he is no longer the first-choice wicketkeeper. However, in the longer format, the team will feel his absence.
Selectors are likely to stick with their current white-ball options for the Asia Cup. But for the Test series against the West Indies, Pant’s unavailability could leave a void in the middle-order.
The report from TOI stated,
"Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant won’t require surgery after a toe fracture during the fourth Test in Manchester. However, Pant has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks. He will miss the Asia Cup and possibly the West Indies series."
Rishabh Pant’s Impact in England Series and His Replacement for West Indies Tests
In the four Tests he played in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the left-hander scored 479 runs, including two centuries and three fifties. His counter-attacking style gave India the edge in pressure situations and his efforts helped the team stay competitive in the series.
After Pant was ruled out, Dhruv Jurel was handed the gloves in the fifth Test at The Oval. He is now expected to continue in the role during the West Indies Tests as well if Pant doesn’t recover in time. Jurel impressed with his composure and sharp glovework. The team management is likely to back him as Pant continues his recovery.
