India vice-captain Rishabh Pant suffered another injury setback, this time on the opening day of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. For the second straight Test, Pant had to leave the field due to injury—this time needing to be wheeled off on a buggy after taking a blow to his right foot.
The incident occurred in the 68th over, when Chris Woakes bowled a full delivery that Pant attempted to reverse-sweep. The ball struck the side of his right boot, causing immediate pain. England appealed for an LBW and reviewed it, but replays showed a clear inside edge. However, all eyes were on Pant, who was visibly in severe discomfort even before the replays were shown.
Pant removed his gloves and limped around as the physio rushed to assist. During the drinks break, he was helped out of his pads and boot, revealing swelling and a visible blood spot on the outer part of his foot. Unable to put weight on it, he was eventually taken off the field in a buggy and sent for scans.
“He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they’ve gone for scans. We’ll probably get the information tomorrow,” said Sai Sudharsan, who was batting at the other end. Sudharsan, who top-scored with 61, added, “He was batting really well today. If he doesn’t come back, it will definitely be a big miss. But we have other batters and all-rounders who’ll look to cover for the loss and bat long.”
Pant was batting on 37 off 48 balls when he retired hurt. India were 212/3 at the time and went to stumps at 264/4, after being put in to bat.
This adds to India’s growing injury list. Fast bowlers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (finger) were ruled out before the match, prompting a debut for Anshul Kamboj. Pant himself had recently returned from a finger injury sustained at Lord’s, which had prevented him from keeping wickets.
As India trails 2-1 in the series, Pant’s availability for the remainder of the match—and possibly the series—now hangs in the balance.
