Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that a concussion substitute, who can bat and bowl, should be allowed to replace a seriously injured player in Test matches as well. Gambhir said this after the drawn Manchester Test, where wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant batted in the first innings despite a fractured toe as well.

Pant also retired hurt on 37 in India’s first innings after suffering a foot injury while attempting a reverse sweep. Despite suffering the injury, he returned to bat the next day and added a few crucial runs before being dismissed for 54 as well. And, Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in place of him.

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Speaking at a press conference after the fourth Test against England in Manchester on Sunday, Gambhir said, “Absolutely, I am all for it. If the umpires and the match referees see and feel that there is a major injury, I think it is very important to have this rule where you can get a substitute – that is if it is very visible. There is nothing wrong in it, especially in a series like this, where it’s been such a closely fought series. In the previous three Test matches, imagine if we had to play with 10 men against 11, how unfortunate it would have been,” the 43-year-old added.

However, after three days of the Manchester Test, it looked like India would head into the Oval Test with a 3-1 deficit. However, the batters on the last two days ensured a draw for the visitors. Gambhir also admitted that India would be high on confidence after their stunning effort in Manchester.

“When you are put under the pump and end up batting five sessions, that shows great character. Anything that you do in these conditions when are put under pressure, it is a great feeling. I am sure going into The Oval we will be confident, but we can’t take anything for granted. It’s going to be a new game against a strong England side,” Gautam Gambhir concluded.