Huge blow for India: Rishabh Pant ruled out of Asia Cup and West Indies Tests

There have been questions over Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s availability for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9 in Abu Dhabi. According to a report from the Times of India, the wicketkeeper-batter has been ruled out of the tournament due to fitness concerns.

Pant had a forgettable IPL 2025 season both as a player and captain for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He failed to guide the team to the playoffs, with LSG finishing seventh. Pant scored 269 runs in 13 innings, with his only standout performance being an unbeaten 118 against eventual champions RCB.

Rishabh Pant Fractured Foot During Manchester Test

Rishabh Pant suffered an injury during the Manchester Test. The left-handed batter fractured his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1. He was visibly in pain and had to be taken off the field on a medical cart.

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However, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 and scored a half-century. The cricketer, however, could not keep wickets for the remainder of the match, with Dhruv Jurel taking over behind the stumps.

Pant also didn’t bat at his usual No. 5 spot in the second innings, with Washington Sundar replacing him in the order. Following the confirmation of the fracture, he was ruled out of action for six weeks, and Narayan Jagadeesan was named as his replacement for the final Test at The Oval.

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of Asia Cup and West Indies Tests

Rishabh Pant will be out of action for at least six weeks due to a toe fracture sustained during the fourth Test in Manchester, according to the Times of India. While surgery won't be necessary, he is set to miss the upcoming Asia Cup and could also be unavailable for the West Indies series.

"Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant won’t require surgery after a toe fracture during the fourth Test in Manchester. However, Pant has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks. He will miss the Asia Cup and possibly the West Indies series," the report read.

The West Indies are set to tour India for a two-match Test series in October 2025. The opening Test will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, followed by the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10 to 14.

India Grouped with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A of the 2025 Asia Cup

India have been placed in Group A of the 2025 Asia Cup alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The tournament will be played in the T20 format to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

India will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10. The much-anticipated clash against Pakistan is set for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They will wrap up the group stage with a match against Oman on September 19.

The Super Four stage will begin on September 20, with the final scheduled for September 28. Matches will be hosted across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India enter the tournament as defending champions, having defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the 2023 final.

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