ENG vs IND 2025: No batting substitute for Rishabh Pant? Parthiv Patel backs ICC rule

Parthiv Patel and Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel acknowledged that while Rishabh Pant’s injury during the Manchester Test is unfortunate, there is nothing wrong with the ICC rule that prevents replacement wicketkeepers from batting. If Dhruv Jurel replaces Pant in the fourth Test, he will be allowed to keep wickets but will not be permitted to bat.

“A substitute shall not bowl [or bat] or act as captain, but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires.” Since 2017, the MCC has allowed substitute wicketkeepers in cases of genuine injury or illness, provided the on-field umpires approve it, as per Section 24.1.2 of the ICC playing conditions.

Meanwhile, Parthiv, the former India cricketer, has agreed on the notes of ICC’s playing conditions regarding the substitution for a wicketkeeper. He claimed that a few players have often exploited the regulations under the concussion substitute rule. As a result, the Gujarat-born believes that although Pant has been injured, the apex governing council’s rules are absolutely fair.

“See, there are already quite a few grey areas that teams try to exploit. Like in T20 cricket, we’ve seen how the concussion rule is sometimes taken advantage of. So, in an ongoing game, if someone gets injured, what do you do?” he said as quoted by India Today.

“I think it’s only fair. At least now, the rule has changed so that a wicketkeeper can be replaced by another wicketkeeper. Earlier, that wasn’t even allowed — someone else from the team would have had to keep wickets. But I’m okay with the rule. It’s unfortunate that Rishabh got hit, but it is what it is. What can you do about it?,” he added.

On Day 1 at Old Trafford, Pant suffered a painful blow to his toe while attempting a reverse scoop off Chris Woakes. He winced in pain immediately after being hit and received on-field treatment. However, he was unable to recover and had to leave the field, later being taken away in an ambulance. At the time of the injury, Pant was batting on 37 off 48 balls, with two fours and one six.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.