Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, believes that a concussion substitute who can bat and bowl should be permitted to replace a badly injured player in Test matches. Gambhir made the statement following the drawn Manchester Test, in which keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant batted in the first innings despite a broken toe.
Pant retired on 37 in India’s first innings after injuring his foot while attempting a reverse sweep. Despite being severely injured, he returned to bat the next day and scored a few key runs before being removed for 54. Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in lieu of the injured cricketer when India fielded, however he was unable to bat according to existing regulations.
Gautam Gambhir was asked at a news conference after the fourth Test against England in Manchester on Sunday if he supports the use of concussion substitutes in Test matches in the event of catastrophic injuries. He responded:
“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.
Gautam Gambhir
“In the previous three Test matches, imagine if we had to play with 10 men against 11, how unfortunate it would have been.”
Gautam Gambhir
Meanwhile, the BCCI gave a formal update on Pant on Sunday, stating that he would miss the fifth Test owing to a fractured right foot. N Jagadeesan has been named as the Southpaw’s replacement.
“Can’t take anything for granted” – Gautam Gambhir on must-win Oval clash
India appeared to have a 3-1 deficit going into the Oval Test following three days of the Manchester Test. However, the batters’ tenacious resistance over the last two days secured a draw for the visitors.
Gambhir admitted that India would be full of confidence following their determined performance in Manchester. He did, however, mention that the visitors would start from scratch at The Oval. He said:
“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
India finished Day 5 at 425-4, having resumed their second innings in Manchester at 174-2. The fifth and final Test at The Oval will take place from July 31 to August 4.
