Rishabh Pant Forced Off Field After Foot Injury in 4th Test at Old Trafford
India’s vice‑captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt during Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford after injuring his right foot while attempting a reverse‑sweep. He retired on 37 from 48 balls, leaving India at 264/4. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, the match implications, and his injury outlook.
Incident Details: What Happened?
On the 68th over, bowled by Chris Woakes, Pant attempted a reverse‑sweep but mistimed the shot, striking the ball onto the outside of his right boot. He immediately crumpled in pain. An ambulance cart was brought in, and he was helped off the field, visibly distressed with swelling and blood noted on his foot. The incident quickly became the defining moment of the day.
Match Snapshot: Day 1
India ended the day on 264/4 from 82 overs, after being sent in by captain Ben Stokes. Openers built a solid start with Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46), while Sai Sudharsan made a gritty 61. Pant’s entry in the middle overs boosted the total before his injury halted momentum. England struck early with Liam Dawson (1/45), Chris Woakes (1/43), and Stokes (2/47) making inroads. Play ended early due to poor light.
Initial Injury Assessment
Medical staff observed significant swelling and a spot of bleeding on Pant’s foot. A suspected fracture remains a concern. Early reports suggest a soft tissue injury, but scans are needed to rule out bone damage. The BCCI medical team will conduct further evaluation before deciding on his availability for the remaining tests.
Impact on India’s Innings
Pant’s dismissal turned the situation into effectively five wickets down, as India lost their anchor in the middle overs. Substitute wicket‑keeper Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps, but his presence will be limited. India will rely on remaining batsmen like Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to push past 350 and provide the bowlers a defendable total.
Recovery Outlook & Next Steps
The medical team will conduct X‑rays and scans before deciding on treatment. If it is a soft tissue or hairline fracture, Pant may miss at least one Test. The IPL and future tours could also be affected. A functional recovery will be key before full participation resumes.
Pant’s Career Context
Pant suffered multiple injuries in late 2022 due to a near‑fatal car crash. Since his return in early 2024, he has established himself as a dynamic wicket‑keeper‑batter: the first Indian to score twin centuries in a Test in England and one of the fastest wicket‑keeper batters to reach milestones abroad. His aggressive style is instrumental to India’s tactics, and any prolonged absence would be a setback.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Injury | Right foot strike during reverse‑sweep attempt |
| Score at Retirement | 37 runs from 48 balls |
| India’s Innings | 264/4 at stumps |
| Immediate Treatment | Physio, swelling, bleeding noted |
| Next Steps | Scans, medical evaluation, rehab plan |
| Series Impact | Access deeper batting depth; test bowlers |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
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