India are still trailing by 137 runs after England posted a mammoth 669 in the first innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. While England will hope to bowl out India and register an innings win, India will be determined to hold the hosts to a draw. Opener KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill managed to hold their ground against the England bowlers in the second innings. At stumps on Day 4, the duo returned to the dressing room unbeaten on 87 and 78 respectively, having shared a 172-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

As India’s best chance in the fourth Test remains a draw, the big question now is: will Pant be able to bat if India need him to walk in? His foot injury – a fracture on his toe – sustained on the opening day of the match at Old Trafford, Manchester, remains India’s biggest concern. He scored a half-century in India’s first innings despite the pain, but could not perform wicketkeeping duties. Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps.

As India try to keep the England bowlers in check in the hope of a draw, Pant’s role as a batter could become crucial later in the innings. His foot injury, sustained while attempting a reverse sweep off a Chris Woakes delivery, remains a major concern. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, however, confirmed on Saturday that Pant would bat on the fifth and final day of the game.

“Rishabh Pant will bat tomorrow,” Kotak said at the end of Day 4, signalling that India will count him in as a specialist batter to help salvage a draw.

The injury he suffered at Old Trafford was his second in the series. In the preceding Lord’s Test, he picked up a finger injury, which also forced him to relinquish the wicketkeeping duties, though he batted on. Ahead of the fourth Test, India were already dealing with a deep injury crisis, with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep ruled out entirely.

After India posted 358 in the first innings, England replied strongly, scoring 669, thanks to centuries by Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes. India, already trailing the series 1-2, are facing a do-or-die situation as a loss at Old Trafford would mean losing the series before the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

Rahul and Gill tried their best to defy England’s bowlers after India lost the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for nought on Day 4, both falling to Woakes. Pant is likely to bat at No. 5 or No. 6. His ability to brave the pain and face the English bowlers could be key for India to avoid defeat in the match and in the series.