Test cricket is full of drama, and Manchester proved that again. Rishabh Pant batted with a fractured foot. It was painful, brave, and inspired fans worldwide. India coach Gautam Gambhir now wants injury replacements in Tests.
But Ben Stokes doesn’t agree. He called the idea “ridiculous.” Stokes says it could be misused easily. He feels every team should play with the squad they choose.
India’s next match is at The Oval. The team is fighting to level the series 2–2. Big questions hang over Bumrah’s fitness and Kuldeep’s selection. Gambhir says all fast bowlers are fit now.
This article will explore if Test cricket needs injury substitutes. We’ll also look at India’s squad, captaincy, and coaching calls. Are Gambhir’s ideas smart or risky? Let’s break down every angle, including Pant’s brave effort, team balance, and future rules. We’ll also link you to similar matches and cricket legends along the way.
Should Test Cricket Allow Injury Replacements? Gambhir and Stokes Disagree Strongly
Gautam Gambhir says the rule is needed now. Rishabh Pant’s injury proved why. He returned to bat with a fractured foot, scoring more runs bravely. Gambhir says that no team should play with ten players.
He thinks clear visible injuries should qualify for replacement. According to him, umpires and referees should confirm the issue. He said it’s not fair to lose a match due to one injury.
India used Dhruv Jurel as a wicketkeeper. But the rules didn’t allow him to bat. That hurt India in the second innings. Gambhir says teams need balance when big injuries happen.
But Ben Stokes is totally against the idea. He says it opens many dangerous loopholes. What if teams fake injuries to get fresh bowlers? He gave an example of MRI scans showing small swelling. Teams could misuse that to replace tired players.
Stokes says injuries are part of the game. He supports concussion or Covid replacements only. He wants the talk about injury substitutes to stop now.
This debate has reached the fans too. Some agree with Gambhir’s emotion. Others trust Stokes’ logic. As the ICC prepares to test these rules in first-class games, this debate will only grow.
Many other Test series have seen major injury issues too. You can check the India vs New Zealand CT 2025 final scorecard where fitness also played a big role.
Rishabh Pant’s Grit and Bravery Sparked the Big Debate
Rishabh Pant was injured badly on day one. His foot was fractured. But he came back to bat on day two. He played with pain and added 17 more runs. This inspired the team and the crowd too.
Gambhir said no praise is enough for Pant. He thinks this moment shows what this team stands for. He wants future players to talk about this knock. Gambhir feels the team’s base is built on such fearless character.
Pant is now ruled out of the next Test. N Jagadeesan has replaced him in the squad. But it’s still unclear if he is ready for Test cricket.
Gambhir also said that Pant’s injury was unfortunate. India needed him in the decider. He was one of their in-form batters.
Such moments are rare in cricket. MS Dhoni also had many such moments in his career. You can read about him in the ICC Hall of Fame article.
Bumrah Workload Debate: Will He Play the 5th Test?
Jasprit Bumrah was supposed to play only three Tests. That plan was made before the tour. But now India is down 2–1. The series is on the line. Will they play their best bowler again?
Gambhir says Bumrah is fit. But they haven’t decided on his role yet. They want to manage his workload carefully. He had a stress injury before this tour. Gambhir says they will decide based on conditions like spin bowling or pacer.
The Old Trafford pitch was slow and soft. Bumrah’s pace dropped. That may be due to the foot holes. He also had rest on day four. So his body may be fresh again.
Gambhir trusts the other bowlers too. He backed Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. He said they need time and support to grow.
India needs 20 wickets to win. If Bumrah rests, others must step up. You can read more about Bumrah’s Test journey here. You can also compare with South Africa’s bowling depth.
Who Can Replace Pant? Jagadeesan, Jurel, or Someone Else?
With Pant ruled out, India has two main keeping options. Dhruv Jurel is already in the XI. Jagadeesan has been added as backup. But is either one ready for Test cricket?
Jurel has impressed in limited opportunities. He’s a sharp keeper and a gritty batter. He faced England’s pace in tricky conditions. But he hasn’t batted much under pressure.
Jagadeesan has more experience in first-class cricket. But he hasn’t played at the international level. The Oval is a tough place to debut. England’s attack won’t give freebies, like sri lanka bowlers.
There’s also a third option — KL Rahul. He’s recovering from injury but may be fit in time. He’s kept wickets before. He also adds batting depth. But his recent Test form is shaky.
Pant’s absence changes India’s balance. He’s a left-hander, aggressive, and fearless. Replacing that package is tough.
Gambhir may go with form over experience. He could trust Jurel again. But Jagadeesan may get a debut if the pitch is flat.
India needs a keeper who can handle pressure. If the tail collapses again, the keeper must hold one end. This choice could decide the Oval Test. Watch out for team announcements soon. It may reveal India’s long-term thinking, too.
Could ICC Trial a New Rule? How Substitution Might Work in Tests
Gambhir wants injury replacements, but how would that work? The ICC already allows concussion and COVID-19 subs. Could it expand to injury cases?
One idea is a “Verified Injury Sub Rule.” Teams must provide clear medical proof, like X-rays or scans. Match referees and neutral doctors would approve or reject it.
Another proposal is a “1-for-1 Replacement” — like for like. A batter for a batter. A fast bowler for a fast bowler. This keeps team balance intact.
Stokes fears that teams will fake niggles. To prevent misuse, strict time-based bans could be added. For example, the injured player must miss the next Test too. That discourages tactical moves.
The rule could be tested in domestic cricket first. Australia’s Sheffield Shield or India’s Ranji Trophy could run trials. Feedback from players, coaches, and umpires would shape the final design.
Not all fans agree, though. Many say Test cricket is about grit. Replacements may soften that. Others say cricket must evolve with time.
The ICC has modernized other rules. The DRS system, pink-ball Tests, and WTC are recent examples. Change is possible, but it takes time.
If trials begin by 2026, the rule could reach Tests by 2027–28. Till then, debates like Gambhir vs Stokes will continue. And players like Rishabh Pant will keep inspiring both sides of the argument.
Is Gambhir’s Test Team Selection Helping or Hurting India?
Gambhir backs youth. He says trust matters more than stats. He supported Prasidh and Thakur in the last Test. But many fans think Kuldeep Yadav should have played.
The Oval pitch helps spin late in games. Kuldeep could be key there. But Gambhir hasn’t mentioned him in the plans. That has raised many questions among experts.
Gambhir also backed Shubman Gill as captain. It was his first Test as skipper. Gill made a century but lost the game. Gambhir says Gill has the skill and mindset to grow.
India’s tailenders failed with the bat. They played rash shots. That hurt the team’s chances. Gambhir defended them too. He said pure batters fail too. He wants everyone to improve together.
Gambhir’s team is young. Many have played only 2–5 Tests. It takes time to grow. But in top-level cricket, every match counts.
India must learn fast. Read more about Gill’s journey in this captaincy review. For other tight Test battles, visit the England vs West Indies scorecard.
What History Says: Have Test Matches Suffered Due to Injuries?
Test cricket has seen many series change due to injuries. History has several such turning points. India’s 2018 tour of England saw Ravichandran Ashwin play injured at Southampton. India lost that Test narrowly.
In 2021, Australia suffered multiple injuries during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But India used inexperienced backups and still won at the Gabba. That series became legendary.
Gambhir says we can’t expect such miracles every time. If injuries ruin balance, fans lose a fair contest. He feels Test cricket needs fairness more than tradition.
Stokes, though, says such moments are what make Tests great. Teams must fight with what they have. He says replacements make it too easy. “What’s next — tactical subs in Tests?” he asked.
The 2005 Ashes also had such a moment. Simon Jones got injured, and England had to reshuffle. They still won, but only just against Australia. History shows that injuries have often shaped big series. The debate is whether that’s romantic or unfair.
In today’s high-paced cricket, players play nonstop. Injuries are rising. The ICC may have to look at new rules soon. First-class trials could begin in 2026.
Until then, coaches, captains, and fans will keep arguing. Should history repeat itself, or is it time for reform?
Conclusion
Test cricket is full of tough calls. Should we allow injury replacements? Gautam Gambhir thinks yes. Ben Stokes says no. The debate is real, and it won’t go away soon.
Pant’s bravery started it. His knock showed true grit and courage. But it also exposed rule gaps. Gambhir wants to fix them. Stokes fears misuse.
India now faces England at The Oval. The series can still end 2–2. Bumrah’s selection will matter a lot. So will the choice of bowlers like Kuldeep.
This team is still growing. Gambhir is backing young players. But results matter too. India fans want smart decisions now.
Check how Australia handled their bowlers or how the Rajasthan Royals faced heartbreak. The cricket world will watch closely. Gambhir’s ideas may shape the future. Or they may fail. Only time will tell.
