Will Rishabh Pant Play in Asia Cup 2025? Know More About his Availability

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has suffered another big injury blow. On Wednesday, during the fourth Test against England in Manchester, Pant hurt his right foot. The injury happened when he was batting in the first innings for India. He tried to play a reverse sweep shot off Chris Woakes. The ball hit his front foot and left him in deep pain.

Pant could not stand on his right leg after the hit. He looked very uncomfortable and was seen holding his foot in pain. The physios came onto the field to check on him. But the pain was so bad that Pant had to leave the field on a golf cart.

What Happened to Rishabh Pant?

Later in the day, the BCCI medical team took Pant to a local hospital for scans. The reports confirmed a metatarsal fracture in his right foot. Because of this, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the remainder of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, and also the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which starts on July 31.

The medical staff has said that Pant will need six to eight weeks to recover from this foot injury. Footage shared by fans outside the team hotel showed Pant wearing a moon boot on his injured leg. This is not the first injury Pant has faced on this tour. In the third Test at Lord’s, he also hurt his left index finger while keeping wickets.

At that time, Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties. While Jurel is expected to replace him for the final Test, Rishabh Pant injury remains a huge concern for India as he is one of their top batters in Test cricket.

Rishabh Pant Asia Cup 2025 Chances

Rishabh Pant’s latest injury has raised big questions about his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The T20 tournament is scheduled to take place later this year. However, with a six to eight-week recovery window, things do not look good for Pant’s return in time. The wicketkeeper-batter has a serious injury to deal this time.
Even if he recovers by mid-September, match fitness could be an issue. Returning to full fitness after a foot fracture, especially for a wicketkeeper, is not easy. Pant needs time to regain fitness, rhythm, and confidence, especially behind the stumps. He will also need to complete his rehabilitation before coming back for the Indian team.

Rishabh Pant’s Performance in the Fourth Test

In the current Test, Pant was playing well and scored 37 runs off 48 balls with some great shots. He hit a slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer, followed by the reverse sweep off Chris Woakes that caused the injury. His knock showed both smart defence and fearless stroke play. After the injury, Rishabh Pant was not able to keep wickets. Dhruv Jurel took his place behind the stumps.

The team management has not yet decided whether Pant will bat in the second innings. That decision will be made after discussing with the medical team. Reportedly, the BCCI has agreed to attend the ACC meeting in Dhaka on July 24. The Asian Cricket Council will discuss the final plans for the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup. There were earlier reports that the BCCI might skip the meeting due to political tensions in Bangladesh.

The final decision on Asia Cup dates and venue will be taken at the Dhaka meeting. As of now, the tournament is likely to go ahead as scheduled. If that happens, Pant’s chances of playing look slim unless he makes a very fast recovery.