'We should allow like-for-like Subs...': Ex-England captain calls for change in substitution rule after Rishabh Pant’s injury during Manchester Test

Former England captain Michael Vaughan urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an adjustment in the substitution rule after the Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field after getting a toe injury in the fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Emirates Old Trafford stadium in Manchester.

Pant, who was batting on 37 runs during Day 1 of the Manchester Test, got injured during the 68th over after he attempted a premeditated reverse sweep and got hit flush on the boot. The bowler appealed for LBW, but he was not out. Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper batter was in a lot of pain after getting the blow.

ALSO READ: India vs England 4th Test: Injured Rishabh Pant returns to bat, scores brave half-century to help India post 358 in Manchester Test

“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 10 versus 11,” Vaughan said to BBC Sports.

“I prefer that you’d have a sub. You know, 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. If it happens in the second innings, I feel that team might kind of break the rules or indulge in a bit of skullduggery. But if it’s clear and obvious when someone breaks a hand or a foot or ruptures a calf it’s so evident that someone is in real pain and can’t carry on. I think it’s very clear to me: you should be allowed a sub,” said Vaughan.

ALSO READ: Explained: Why Ishan Kishan won't be able to join Team India as Rishabh Pant's replacement for 5th Test against England

After getting checked by physios, the wicketkeeper-batter had to be taken off the field by a small vehicle as he couldn’t even walk out on his own accord. Jadeja replaced him for the batting. However, Pant again came to bat on Day 2 after Shardul Thakur's wicket and completed his half-century before getting out.

What substitution rule says?

Rishabh Pant suffered an injury on his leg and according to to ICC substitute rule, a full replacement for an injured player in the playing XI is required if they suffer a concussion. In that scenario, like-for-like replacements are permitted from a list of designated replacements, which each team submits before the match, and another change to the playing conditions.