India were dealt a major blow on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford as Rishabh Pant retired hurt after a painful blow to his right foot.
It happened late in the final session when the in-form wicket-keeper batter attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes but inside-edged the ball onto his foot. Pant immediately looked in discomfort, grimacing and struggling to stay on his feet.
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Despite initial treatment on the field, he was unable to put any weight on the foot and had to be taken off on a golf-cart-like buggy. He was batting on 37 at the time and was looking well-set to push India into a good position.
His exit stalled India's momentum, and soon after, Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 61. At stumps, India were 264/4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease.
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What does 'retired hurt' mean?
When a batter retires hurt, it means they have left the field due to injury or illness. Unlike being dismissed, the player can return to continue their innings if they recover in time.
In Pant's case, a return will depend on scan results and his ability to move freely again.
Rishabh Pant injury status and latest update from India vs. England 4th Test
After Shardul Thakur's dismissal in the 102nd over on Day 2, Pant came out to bat but was spotted limping.
BCCI have now released a statement and provided an update on Rishabh Pant's condition, which read: "Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements."
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the…
According to the latest update ahead of Day 2, Pant has fractured his toe. According to a report by Devendra Pandey of the Indian Express, he has also been advised six weeks of rest.
Additionally, the report noted that the Indian wicketkeeper is expected to be ruled out of the fifth Test at the Oval. Ishan Kishan is reportedly set to be added as a replacement.
For the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, the medical staff are checking if Pant can continue playing with painkillers, although the report suggests his chances of returning to bat again are slim.
Pant has fractured his toe has been advised six weeks rest. Ishan Kishan to be picked for fifth to Test. https://t.co/yFi1OZ6dSr
— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) July 24, 2025
India captain Shubman Gill visited Pant at the ground's medical facility before he was taken to the hospital for scans.
🚨 BREAKING VISUALS
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 23, 2025
Rishabh Pant being taken to the hospital in an ambulance.@CricSubhayan @RohanDC98 @rohitjuglan @debasissen #RishabhPant #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/Bie8a7K8TZ
The BCCI later confirmed on the development; stating that the medical team is monitoring his condition.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025
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.
The visible swelling and Pant's inability to walk unaided raised concerns. Whether he will play on Day 2 remains uncertain and all eyes are now on the morning medical report.
Rishabh Pant's second injury in India vs. England Test series
This marks Pant's second injury setback of the series. He sustained a finger bruise at Lord's, which prevented him from donning the gloves.
More: Ricky Ponting fears Rishabh Pant injury could be serious - 'Immediate swelling is a worry'
If he misses more game time now, India might have to rely on Dhruv Jurel for wicket-keeping. However, Jurel's last time behind the stumps drew criticism after conceding 26 byes.
With India trailing 2-1, the fourth Test is a must-win, and Pant's unavailability could dent their chances. As things stand, the team management is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.