'We have concussion subs so...' - Michael Vaughan shares his views on injury replacement after Rishabh Pant sustained injury on ongoing ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 1

Rishabh Pant suffered a serious injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test against England. He inside-edged a reverse sweep onto his foot while playing a shot off Chris Woakes. The Indian team's vice-captain was in a lot of pain, and the physio rushed onto the field to help him. Pant lay on the ground for several minutes. The 27-year-old could not put any weight on his foot and had to be taken off the field. Later, a golf cart-like ambulance was used to take him out of the playing area, and Rishabh Pant was officially ruled out of the rest of the series.

Addressing the matter, former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned if it was fair to continue a high-stakes Test series with one team playing with only ten players. He also gave a suggestion after this incident.

Michael Vaughan Bats for Injury Substitution Rule in Tests

In a social media post, former England captain Michael Vaughan said, "Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests — we should allow like-for-like subs. We have concussion subs, so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabh's..."

Earlier, on BBC's Test Match Special, he said, “I don't like the fact that we've got four days left in the game — four days of action in what has been an incredible series — where we are going to have ten versus eleven.” Calling for a rule change, Vaughan said the game should evolve to allow injury substitutions during the first innings.

Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 24, 2025

“Once they brought in concussion subs, I was crying out, saying, ‘Well, just have substitutions then in the first innings of a game.’ That would be my stepping point,” Vaughan added.
“If someone breaks a hand or a foot, it’s so clear they are in real pain and can’t carry on. I think it’s very clear — you should be allowed a sub.”

Also Read -Three players who can replace Rishabh Pant in ongoing ENG vs IND Test series

Parthiv Patel Disagrees

However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel disagreed. He said the rules are already in place and should not be changed.

"There are already quite a few grey areas that teams try to exploit. Like in T20 cricket, we’ve seen the concussion rule, and people try to take advantage," said Parthiv during a media interaction as a JioHotstar expert. "So, in an ongoing game, if someone gets injured, what do you do? I think it’s only fair. At least now the rule has changed so that a wicketkeeper can do wicketkeeping. Earlier, even that wasn’t allowed."

Pant’s Injury Raises Wicketkeeping Concerns Again

The injury occurred when Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the 68th over on Wednesday. Blood was seen seeping through his sock, his foot was swollen, and he had to be helped off the field on a buggy, unable to walk on his own.

Pant’s absence now leaves the wicketkeeping duties open again. While Dhruv Jurel is in the squad but hasn’t been used, KL Rahul — who last kept wickets during the 2023–24 South Africa tour — could be asked to step in. This creates a tactical problem for the Indian team in such a crucial game.

This is Pant’s second injury in the series. Earlier, during the third Test at Lord’s, he had bruised a finger while keeping, which forced him to give up the gloves mid-match.