India were dealt a major blow on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford due to a serious Rishabh Pant injury. Pant, who was batting on 37, had to retire hurt after a painful hit to his right foot. The incident happened when he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, inside-edged the ball onto his foot, and immediately collapsed in pain.
The swelling on his foot was clearly visible, and he couldn’t continue. Despite surviving an LBW shout and review, it was obvious that the Rishabh Pant injury was serious. He couldn’t stand properly and needed medical help to leave the field. A golf-style buggy was used to take him off after on-field treatment.
Pant, who is also India’s vice-captain and main wicketkeeper, was then taken to the medical facility inside the stadium. Captain Shubman Gill visited him there before he was sent to the hospital for scans. The Rishabh Pant injury not only left Indian fans worried but also forced the team into a difficult situation early in the match.
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Concern from Teammates and Opposition Over Rishabh Pant Injury
The Rishabh Pant injury quickly caught the attention of both teams. England’s spinner Liam Dawson spoke about it and said, “I wish him well, but I can’t see him playing much more part in this game.” His statement showed how visibly painful the injury appeared to those on the field.
At the time of the injury, young Indian batter B Sai Sudharsan was at the other end. He later said, “He was in a lot of pain, definitely. They’ve gone for scans. We will know more by tomorrow.” It was clear that the Rishabh Pant injury was a tough moment not only for Pant but also for the team.
When asked how much the team would miss Pant if he couldn’t return, Sudharsan admitted the loss would be felt. “He was batting really well. We will definitely miss a batter if he doesn’t come back. But we’ll try our best with the other batters and all-rounders we have left.”
The Indian team now has to manage the match without one of their most aggressive and experienced players. The Rishabh Pant injury has affected not just their batting line-up but also their wicketkeeping plans.
Rishabh Pant Injury Comes After Brave Knock
Before the injury, Pant was playing an aggressive yet measured knock. He had scored 37 off 48 balls, including a stylish slog sweep for four off Jofra Archer. However, it was immediately followed by a failed reverse sweep attempt, which led to the Rishabh Pant injury.
This is the second time in this series that the Indian star has been hurt. In the previous Test at Lord’s, Pant suffered a blow to his left index finger while keeping wickets. That injury forced Dhruv Jurel to take over the wicketkeeping duties. Although Pant was uncomfortable, he still managed to bat in that match and was later cleared to play in the Old Trafford Test.
Sadly, this latest Rishabh Pant injury might be more serious. He couldn’t continue on Day 1, and depending on the scan results, he could miss more action. With back-to-back injuries in consecutive matches, team management will likely be very careful about his return.
The Rishabh Pant injury also creates problems for India’s team balance. Without Pant behind the stumps, they may have to rely on Jurel again. Plus, his absence in the middle order means the remaining batters and all-rounders will need to step up and fill the gap.
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