ENG vs IND 2025: 'Pant keeping wickets gives India stability they need' - Sanjay Bangar opines on Rishabh Pant's availability for 4th Test

Ahead of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, the visitors' list of injuries has grabbed the attention, along with the potential team combination. A major talking point has been Rishabh Pant’s fitness and potential return to full-time wicketkeeping duties. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar spoke about Pant’s availability and India’s bowling combination for the must-win clash.

Pant, who suffered an injury to his left index finger during the Lord’s Test, missed a major part of his wicketkeeping duties in that match. However, he batted in both innings and trained ahead of the fourth Test. On Tuesday, captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Pant is fit and will take the gloves at Old Trafford. Bangar mentioned Pant’s return behind the stumps as a very positive sign, mentioning how it balances India’s team structure.

“Pant’s availability as a wicketkeeper is a very positive sign because it helps preserve the team’s structure. And if there’s any discomfort, KL Rahul is also a viable backup option with the gloves. Overall, Pant keeping wickets gives India the stability they need in their playing XI. Pant is also mentally very tough and thrives on the big stage. He enjoys being put in challenging situations that’s where he really excels. In fact, I’ve seen many players perform better even when carrying a niggle, simply because their focus sharpens. As for wicketkeeping, it’s a role that keeps you engaged throughout the match. And if Rishabh is ready to take it on, it suggests he has healed well — because the Indian team wouldn’t risk playing someone who’s not fit enough,” he said exclusively on ‘Follow The Blues’.

Bangar also pointed out that if there were any concerns, KL Rahul could be a backup option. With Dhruv Jurel’s errors behind the stumps at Lord’s, India will hope for Pant being a full-time keeper as they hope to level the series.

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Meanwhile, India's injury list saw all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy being ruled out of the series. Arshdeep Singh injured his hand during practice, and pacer Akash Deep is set to miss the Manchester Test due to a groin niggle. In his place, Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj is likely to make his debut. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is good news for the visitors, with Mohammed Siraj expected to partner him with the new ball. However, the third seamer’s slot is still undecided, with Prasidh Krishna and Kamboj in contention.

Amid these selection problems, the attention is also on Kuldeep Yadav. While Kuldeep hasn’t featured in any Tests so far, there have been calls for his inclusion. Bangar believes Kuldeep should have played from the first Test. 

“If India had read the conditions correctly, Kuldeep Yadav should have played from the first Test itself. Now, since he hasn’t featured in any of the matches and the players who’ve played in his place have done well, it becomes tricky. Washington Sundar, for instance, played a key role in bringing India back into the contest at Lord’s with his four-wicket haul it’s hard to leave someone like that out of the playing XI. If Kuldeep is brought in to bat at No. 7, it could compromise the team’s desired batting depth. I see Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar playing alongside the three main pacers," he added.