With India losing two set batters in Shubman Gill and KL Rahul before lunch on Day 5 of the 4th Test at Manchester, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are currently holding fort for the visitors as they try with all their might to draw the match. With Rishabh Pant still in their lineup even after an injury on Day 1 limited his capacities, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting felt that India should send out the wicketkeeper batter next if one of Sundar and Jadeja departs.
“I’d know what I’d be doing. I’d be sending him out next. He’s got an injury that sounds like he is not going to be playing next week any way. Yes, there’s a chance that it could get worse if he gets hit on in once again. They’ll be looking at it two ways- If he goes out, is it hindering their run scoring? Maybe, maybe they send in Shardul next and see what they get out of that partnership and send Rishabh next but I’d think I’ll be sending Rishabh because he is better equipped against the newer ball,” Ponting said on Sky Sports.
Pant fractured his toe while attempting a reverse sweep on Day 1, which led to him having to retire hurt. He then remarkably continued his innings while batting almost on one foot and scored 54 in 75 balls.
“I’d be sending him out next” 👀
Ricky Ponting on when Rishabh Pant should come out to bat 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/R3X3PuBhlp
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 27, 2025
Pant has been advised six weeks of rest and was expected to not travel to the ground on Day 2. However, Pant was eventually spotted in the dressing room in full gear and he then hobbled out after Shardul Thakur was dismissed shortly before Lunch.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Gill fell after smashing his fourth century of the ongoing five-match series as India reached 223 for four at lunch on the fifth and final day of the fourth Test. Opener Rahul was dismissed by Ben Stokes for a doughty 90, ending a 188-run partnership for the third wicket with Gill.
Resuming the day on 174 for two and with a deficit of 137 runs, overnight batter Gill completed his hundred before falling to Jofra Archer just before lunch at Old Trafford.
