IND vs ENG: “Call for Sub Rule Change After Gritty Pant Knock: Shardul Speaks Out”

Ray Sportz Web Desk: On the second day at Old Trafford, Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant stunned spectators and teammates alike by walking out to bat despite a serious injury that had forced him off the field on Day 1. Battling pain, Pant crafted a brave 54-run knock, earning praise across the cricketing world. Though he couldn’t prolong the innings, his resilience turned into a talking point of the match.
“He’s done unbelievable things before, but today’s decision caught us all off guard,” said Indian pacer Shardul Thakur at the post-match press conference. “To fight like that, in that kind of pain, it’s beyond commendable.”
Pant’s injury has reignited debates around substitution rules in cricket. While concussion substitutes are currently allowed, replacements for other serious injuries, such as fractures, are not. Shardul voiced a clear opinion: “I think it’s time we allow replacements for any major injury in Test cricket. The ICC should consider introducing this rule after the current World Test Championship cycle ends.”
Meanwhile, the match hangs in the balance but tilts in England’s favor. At stumps on Day 2, the hosts stood strong at 225 for 2, trailing India by just 133 runs. “We didn’t bowl well early on,” admitted Shardul. “Tomorrow, we must show more patience and hit the right areas from ball one.”
India faces an uphill battle going into Day 3, needing a dramatic turnaround to wrest back control of the Test.