Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has revealed that wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant will bat on Day 5 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. However, Pant sustained a toe fracture on Day 1 of the game and had to be immediately taken off the field as well.

Pant, however, on Day 2 returned to bat to complete his half-century as well. He scored a brilliant 54 (75), smashing three fours and two sixes too. With India once again needing Pant’s services on Day 5, he will be once again available to bat, Sitanshu Kotak confirmed.

“I think he will bat tomorrow,” said Sitanshu Kotak in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

Moreover, the Indian batting coach also said that the players will have to play every ball on merit on the final day and avoid unnecessary risks as well.

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“Don’t be pre-planned. Play to the merit of the ball. Avoid unnecessary riks. If you are set and then you cut down on undue risks, the only way you can get out is if the ball behaves badly after pitching or if you get a brilliant delivery. These boys have the quality. They have the ability to do what they did today on Day 5. All these are all format players. Everybody is playing the IPL and international cricket. Your mindset is important. Your need to train your mind to play the situation. It takes mental effort more than skill,” he further added.

However, India finished Day 4 on 174/2 with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the middle. They added an unbeaten 174-run stand for the third wicket after the team lost Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over of the innings itself as well.

India are still trailing by 137 runs in the second innings, and they will have to bat cautiously to save the Test match on Day 5 as well.