Stokes on calls for injury subs: There would be too many loopholes for a team to exploit

Rishabh Pant’s foot injury during the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester led to debates on whether teams should be allowed injury substitutes.

While India head coach Gautam Gambhir endorsed for such a move, England captain Ben Stokes called the idea ‘ridiculous’, suggesting that such a law would introduce many loopholes for teams to exploit.

“I think it is absolutely ridiculous there is a conversation around an injury replacement. There would be too many loopholes for a team to go through. You pick an 11 for the game, injuries are part of it. I think that conversation should be shut down,” Stokes said.

Despite fracturing his foot and being advised a six week’s rest, Pant walked out to bat in India’s first innings and went on to score a half-century. While the cricket fraternity lauded Pant’s efforts, it also led to discussion on whether the ICC should come up with a rule that enables a team to get in a replacement for a player who sustained a major injury.