Rishabh Pant Injury Scare
Rishabh Pant injury on Day 1 of the India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford has left Indian fans and team management concerned. The wicketkeeper-batter was forced to leave the field after he was struck on the ankle while batting. The incident took place in the 68th over of India’s first innings, as Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and the ball hit him flush on the foot.
Pant immediately went down in pain and called for medical help. The Indian physio rushed to the field and checked his right foot, which had already started to swell. Due to the pain and swelling, Pant couldn’t even walk off the field on his own. He was helped off using a medical cart. At that point, Pant was batting on 37 and looking solid.
The Rishabh Pant injury forced India to send in Ravindra Jadeja as a replacement batter. Jadeja joined the middle to resume the innings alongside the rest of the top order. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later released an official statement confirming that Pant had been taken for scans.
“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,” said the BCCI release.
Pant’s Latest Injury Worry
This is not the first time Pant has had injury concerns in this Test series. During the 3rd Test at the same venue, he had injured his thumb while keeping wickets. He did not keep for the rest of that match, and Dhruv Jurel took over behind the stumps. However, Pant did come out to bat in both innings despite the injury.
This fresh Rishabh Pant injury now raises serious questions about whether he will be able to continue in the 4th Test and whether India will need to call up cover for the remainder of the series. Pant is a vital player for India in Tests, known for his fearless batting and sharp wicketkeeping.
Match Summary – Day 1 So Far
Before the Rishabh Pant injury halted play briefly, India had made a steady start after being put into bat by England. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and took a bold decision to bowl first at Old Trafford — a ground where no team has ever won a Test match after choosing to bowl.
India started well, reaching 78 without loss at lunch. But things quickly changed in the afternoon session. England’s senior pacer Chris Woakes gave his team the breakthrough they needed by dismissing KL Rahul for 46. Rahul edged a delivery and was caught behind.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been India’s best batter in this series, crossed another half-century. This was his 12th fifty in Test cricket since his debut in July 2023, the most by any player in this time. But his stay was cut short at 58 when Liam Dawson got him to edge a turning ball to Zak Crawley at slip. This was Dawson’s first Test wicket in over 8 years — a dream comeback moment for him. Rishabh Pant injury
Just before tea, India suffered a big blow when in-form batter Shubman Gill was dismissed. Gill, who already has three centuries in this series, was trapped leg-before by Ben Stokes for just 12. His poor form continued, having scored only 34 runs in his last three innings.
Gill’s dismissal sparked loud cheers from the English fans, who remembered his angry reactions to England’s on-field conduct during the previous Test at Lord’s. The loss of key wickets gave England a strong comeback in the match. Rishabh Pant injury
India’s Score at Tea: 149/3
At tea, India was 149 for 3. With Pant retiring hurt and Jadeja stepping in, the situation was becoming more challenging for the visitors. The middle order, including skipper Rohit Sharma, now faces the task of building a solid total on a tricky pitch in Manchester. Rishabh Pant injury
Rohit himself has not been in the best form. In his last three innings, he has managed just 34 runs in total. With Pant possibly unavailable, the responsibility on Rohit and Jadeja has increased significantly.
What Happens If Pant Is Ruled Out?
If the Rishabh Pant injury turns out to be serious, India might be forced to use Ravindra Jadeja or another part-time keeper in the current match. For future matches, Dhruv Jurel could be brought back as the main wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant injury
Pant’s injury also affects the team balance. He brings explosive batting to the middle order and provides energy behind the stumps. His absence could change India’s game plan significantly. Rishabh Pant injury
England’s Comeback Effort
England will be pleased with their fightback after lunch. Woakes, Dawson, and Stokes struck at the right moments to keep India in check. With the series standing at 2-1 in India’s favour, this 4th Test is crucial. England must win to level the series before the final Test.
Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first was bold, and now it’s showing signs of working. The pitch has offered some help to seamers and spinners alike. If they can keep the pressure on, the momentum may shift further in England’s favour. Rishabh Pant injury
The Rishabh Pant injury on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test is a major concern for Team India. After a promising 37-run knock, Pant was forced to leave the field due to a foot injury caused by a Chris Woakes delivery. BCCI has confirmed he has been taken for scans and is under medical observation. With key wickets falling and the match hanging in balance, Pant’s fitness will play a big role in how India approaches the rest of this critical Test.
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