In flurry of injury setbacks, India suffered a significant jolt in the ongoing fourth Test against England as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been diagnosed with a fractured toe. Following hitting a reverse sweep shot off Chris Woakes, Pant was driven off the ground, and he has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks. The injury occurred during the 68th over of India’s innings on Day 1 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Pant, who was batting on 37, attempted the shot but missed, with the ball taking an inside edge and striking his right boot. The impact forced him to retire hurt immediately, and Ravindra Jadeja took his place on the field. Scans later reportedly confirmed a fracture in his toe.
With India already dealing with multiple injury concerns in the series, this fresh blow has left the team shorthanded. A BCCI source confirmed that Pant is being evaluated by the medical team, which is exploring whether he could return to bat under pain medication if absolutely necessary. However, the likelihood appears narrow that he still requires support to walk.
“If he is out of the game… if he’s out of the series, then that’s a massive blow to India,” said former England captain Michael Atherton during commentary. “That 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with that new ball due, there is a potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow.”
India ended Day 1 at 264/4, with Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease after the fall of Sai Sudharsan. The uncertainty surrounding Pant’s return has added pressure to an already injury-hit Indian side fighting to level the series.
The medical team of BCCI is monitoring Pant’s critical injury after his arrival at a medical centre in Manchester. Indian skipper Shubman Gill also visited him to check on his injury. Pant’s unavailability for the rest of the series could prove to be a turning point as India seeks to bounce back from a 1-2 deficit in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
