IND vs ENG: Will Rishabh Pant come out to Bat Today? India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gives verdict

Rishabh Pant will take the field to bat on the fifth and final day of the Manchester Test, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Saturday.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who suffered a fractured right foot on the opening day, has been ruled out of keeping duties but remains available with the bat.

On day two, Pant defied the pain to produce a gritty half-century, showcasing the kind of resilience that has come to define his Test career. Despite medical concerns, the team management had maintained from the outset that while he would not keep wickets, Pant would bat if required. Speaking after the end of the fourth day's play, Kotak made it clear, saying "Rishabh will bat tomorrow."

India are placed at 174 for two at stumps on day four, still trailing England by 137 runs. A rearguard 174-run partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill gave the visitors hope after early setbacks in the innings. Kotak praised the approach of the pair and the clarity they showed during a tense passage of play.

"A five-day wicket will have wear and tear but it is playing well except a few odd turns. They batted with a lot of belief and determination. It is tough when you lose two early wickets," Kotak said.

"But I think at lunchtime also, they had that belief that we will take some time, see first 10-15 overs and then take it from there. Its amazing the way they batted."

While the number three position has been a revolving door in India's Test setup in recent months, Kotak suggested it was not a major concern for the team. He instead highlighted the evolution in Shubman Gill's batting, attributing his success to a shift in mindset.

"See, from Australia series to this series, I have also seen his thought process and the way he batted. It is little different than what he has done in Australia. We discussed, but I would give a lot of credit to him for deciding on that wicket, what he wants to play, when he wants to play," Kotak explained after the Day 4 ended at Old Trafford.

The visitors will have to negotiate the final day and Rishabh Pant's role may become crucial again. Although the southpaw is struggling with his foot, he scored a half-century in the first innings, and added 21 runs after his injury.