Will Rishabh Pant Come Out to Bat on Day 5 of Manchester Test?

The ongoing fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, has reached its final and most crucial day. Day 5 of the ongoing 4th Test is the day that is going to decide the fate of the bilateral series between the two nations. Both teams have shown moments of resilience, brilliance, and sheer commitment, and this match is perfectly set for the final day of the match.

India's skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul took command of the innings on Day 4 and played with great patience and calm. Together they put up a 174-run stand for the third wicket. At stumps on Day 4, India was at 174/2, still trailing England by 137 runs. KL Rahul was unbeaten with 87 while Gill was not out at 78. Both batters handled the pressure well and looked solid on the pitch, which started to show signs of wear and tear.

Rishabh Pant Availability Day 5 Manchester Test

However, one of the biggest worries for India is Rishabh Pant injury Manchester. On Day 1 of the Manchester Test, the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a painful blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off pacer Chris Woakes. It was later confirmed that he had fractured his foot, but later Pant came out to bat in the first innings. India's vice-captain played a crucial knock of 54 while being injured, helping India recover after an early collapse.
His fighting half-century became a key talking point during the match. Despite the pain, Pant showed no signs of backing down, once again proving his value as one of India’s most dependable batters in times of need. Now, the big question on the final day of the Test, when India trails by 137 runs, is whether Rishabh Pant will bat again?
On Saturday, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Rishabh Pant availability Day 5 Manchester Test. “Rishabh will bat tomorrow,” Kotak said during the post-match conference after stumps, “He is determined to help the team and contribute in whatever way possible. His mindset and courage are truly inspiring for all of us.”

Kotak further added that Pant’s participation is not just about runs, but it is about lifting the morale of the team as well. “Even when he’s injured, his presence in the middle can change the momentum. That’s the kind of player he is,” Kotak stated.

England Still in Control

England posted a total of 669 runs in their first innings, the highest-ever Test score at the venue. Led by the captain Ben Stokes’ 141-run knock, the English side dominated the Indian bowlers, with key contributions from Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Zak Crawley, who all made it difficult for the visitors.
In reply, India posted 358 runs in their first innings with the help of Rishabh Pant's fifty and a fighting performance by lower-order batter Shardul Thakur.

The start of India’s second innings was disastrous. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, both openers, were dismissed for ducks in the very first over. That left India 0/2 and a possible defeat, but then KL Rahul and Shubman Gill showed their batting brilliance.
Kotak praised the duo for the discipline and focus. ”When you lose two wickets in the first over, it’s never easy. But the way Gill and Rahul played showed belief and resilience. We had discussed that we should take time and not panic. They executed it perfectly,” he added.

India will hope for both these batters to carry on from where they left on Day 4. With Pant not fully fit, the other batters and the all-rounders will be needed to bat for longer periods of time in order to save the match for India.

With only eight wickets remaining and a full day of play ahead, India will face a daunting task. They must either bat the entire fifth day or hope that rain interrupts the play. Regardless, with Pant’s commitment and the solid form of Rahul and Gill, India still has a chance to save the Test. All eyes will now be on the final day, which will unfold at Old Trafford, Manchester, today, to see who wins the crown or if rain plays a role.