Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has reportedly been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 due to a toe fracture, casting serious doubts over his availability for the West Indies Test series as well. As per a Times of India report, Pant is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks, with surgery not required but adequate rest and rehab advised by the medical team.
Pant sustained the injury during the fourth Test against England in Manchester while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1. The impact led to a fractured right foot, forcing him off the field on a medical cart. However, showcasing his trademark resilience, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 and scored a gritty half-century.
Despite his effort with the bat, he was unable to keep wickets for the remainder of the match, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in behind the stumps. In the second innings, Pant didn’t bat at his regular No. 5 position, with Washington Sundar promoted in the order. Subsequently, Narayan Jagadeesan was called up as his replacement for the final Test at The Oval.
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Pant’s absence also follows a disappointing IPL 2025 season. Captaining the Lucknow Super Giants, the left-hander struggled both as a leader and with the bat. He managed just 269 runs in 13 innings, with a solitary highlight being an unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. LSG finished seventh in the standings, missing out on playoff qualification.
🚨 Breaking News 🗞️🚨
Rishabh Pant may miss Asia Cup as he is still injured or only 2 months are left in Asia Cup, can he recover by the time the team is announced Rishabh is still injured pic.twitter.com/n0WHtNiDve
— ankit kumar (@ankibairwa999) August 7, 2025
With Pant ruled out, India will head into the Asia Cup 2025 with a new-look wicketkeeping setup. The tournament, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, will be played in the T20 format as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India, placed in Group A, will face Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in the group stage.
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Rohit Sharma’s men will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by a high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. Their final group game is scheduled against Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage will kick off on September 20, culminating in the grand finale on September 28. Matches will be played across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the West Indies are scheduled to tour India in October for a two-Test series. The first Test will be held in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, and the second in Delhi from October 10 to 14. India, the defending Asia Cup champions, will aim to retain their crown despite Pant’s absence.
