Rishabh Pant Injury: Pant Retires Hurt on 37 After Being Hit on Ankle by Woakes, BCCI Confirms Scans
Rishabh Pant injury became a major concern for Team India during the first day of the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. The star wicketkeeper-batter had to leave the field retired hurt after he was hit on the ankle by a Chris Woakes delivery in the 68th over. Pant was batting confidently on 37 when the incident occurred, but the injury forced him to stop playing and seek medical attention. Rishabh Pant Injury
❗ What Happened to Rishabh Pant?
The painful moment came during Pant’s reverse sweep attempt against Woakes. The ball struck his right foot directly, causing him to collapse in pain. The physios rushed in to assess the damage. Pant’s foot began swelling almost immediately, and he couldn’t walk off the ground on his own. Instead, a small vehicle had to carry him off the field. Rishabh Pant Injury
Soon after, Ravindra Jadeja walked in to replace Pant at the crease.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later issued an official statement on the Rishabh Pant injury:
“Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test. He was taken for scans from the stadium. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.”
🏥 Pant’s Recent Injury Concerns
This is not the first time Pant has suffered an injury in this series. During the third Test at the same venue, he was hit on the thumb and had to leave the field temporarily. He didn’t take part in the wicketkeeping duties for the rest of that match. Instead, Dhruv Jurel took over behind the stumps, while Pant returned later to bat in both innings. Rishabh Pant Injury
The back-to-back injuries have raised concerns over his fitness and ability to continue in the remaining matches of the series. Given his crucial role as a middle-order batter and keeper, Rishabh Pant’s injury could become a significant setback for India. Rishabh Pant Injury
🏏 Match Situation at the Time of Injury
Before the Rishabh Pant injury, India had made a strong start on Day 1. The team began the day on 78-0 after lunch. But things quickly turned around as England found their rhythm in the afternoon session.
-
KL Rahul was the first to go, falling four runs short of a half-century. Chris Woakes got the breakthrough by finding Rahul’s edge.
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal crossed his 12th fifty since debuting in July 2023, setting a record for the most half-centuries since that time. However, he didn’t last long either, edging Liam Dawson to Zak Crawley at slip.
-
Just before tea, Shubman Gill was trapped LBW by Ben Stokes for only 12. This added more pressure to India’s innings.
Despite the decent start, losing three key wickets, including the unexpected Rishabh Pant injury, tilted the momentum in England’s favor. Rishabh Pant Injury
🔄 Who Replaced Pant?
After the injury, Ravindra Jadeja came in as a substitute batter. With Pant out of action and potentially unavailable for the remainder of the innings or match, Jadeja and the rest of the Indian batting unit now have additional responsibility. Rishabh Pant Injury
It’s still unclear whether Rishabh Pant will be fit to take the gloves or even bat again in the second innings. The decision will depend on his medical reports and recovery. Rishabh Pant Injury
🗣️ What the Experts Are Saying
Former cricketers and commentators expressed concern about Pant’s latest injury. With him returning from a long layoff due to a car accident in 2022, these new injuries are troubling signs.
Some experts have questioned if India rushed Pant back into full match duties too soon. Others have pointed out that his fearless playing style — full of risks like reverse sweeps and aggressive footwork — exposes him to greater injury chances. Rishabh Pant Injury
🧠 Why Rishabh Pant is Crucial for India
Rishabh Pant is not just a regular wicketkeeper. He is a match-winner with the bat and a game-changer behind the stumps. His ability to take the attack to the opposition in Test cricket is rare.
In this series, although Pant hasn’t scored a century, his contributions in the middle order have been vital in stabilizing India’s innings. Losing him mid-innings due to injury can unsettle the team’s rhythm.
📊 Quick Stats at the Time of Injury
-
Pant’s score: 37 (Retired hurt)
-
Delivery that injured him: Chris Woakes, 68th over
-
Replacement on field: Ravindra Jadeja
-
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
-
Day: 1st Day of 4th Test
-
Status: Taken for scans, being monitored by BCCI medical team
⚔️ England Fight Back After Pant’s Exit
After Pant left the field, England sensed an opportunity to press harder. Having already picked up key wickets in the second session, including Jaiswal and Gill, Pant’s exit gave them an extra edge.
Liam Dawson, who returned to Test cricket after nearly 8 years, also got a wicket on Day 1. Ben Stokes’ gamble to bowl first despite the history of teams losing at Old Trafford when doing so — may just work out.
The crowd, especially after the verbal tensions during the previous Test at Lord’s, reacted strongly to Shubman Gill’s dismissal, cheering loudly as he walked off. Rishabh Pant Injury
⚠️ What’s Next for Rishabh Pant?
Pant’s injury status remains uncertain. He will likely miss the wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the match, and his chances of batting again depend on the scan results. India may have to consider bringing in Dhruv Jurel as a full-time keeper if Pant cannot take the field.
The Indian team management will hope that the injury is not serious, especially with the final Test of the series coming up soon. With India currently leading the five-match series 2-1, the team needs its key players fully fit to seal the series.
✅ Conclusion
Rishabh Pant injury on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test has become a major talking point. Hit on the ankle while batting, Pant was taken for scans and is under medical observation. With important matches coming up and his role being vital, his fitness will be closely monitored.
India’s position in the Test series adds more tension to this situation. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for good news from the scan reports.
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
