ENG vs IND 2025: 'Rishabh Pant will keep wickets in Manchester Test' - Shubman Gill

Rishabh Pant's fitness was a major area of concern for India heading into the fourth Test at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The talismanic wicketkeeper-batter sustained an injury to his left index finger while trying to collect a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the third Test at the Lord's Cricket Ground. He had to relinquish wicketkeeping duties as Dhruv Jurel took over. However, Pant batted in both innings and registered scores of 74 and nine, while battling pain.

Reports were suggesting that Dhruv Jurel will play the fourth Test as the wicketkeeper, while Pant will feature as a specialist batter. However, Indian fans will be happy to know that captain Shubman Gill has confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Pant will don the wicketkeeping gloves. The Indian vice-captain's inputs from behind the stumps have come in handy for the bowlers. He is always chirping away, putting pressure on the opposition batters.

Pant has also been in exemplary form in the five-match Test series. The 27-year-old became only the second wicketkeeper-batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test match during the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. He has aggregated 425 runs so far in six innings at a phenomenal average of 70.83. His runs have come at a fair clip as well, with a strike rate close to 80. Pant will look to play a key role with the bat as well as behind the stumps as India look to restore parity in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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England won the first Test at Headingley by five wickets before India drew level with a 336-run victory at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The third Test turned out to be an intriguing affair as both teams put their best foot forward in order to take the lead in the series. However, the Ben Stokes-led side held their nerves on the final day as they successfully defended a 193-run target. The Three Lions won the match by 22 runs at the iconic venue.