Rishabh Pant's untimely injury during the Manchester Test has sparked concern within the Indian team and among former cricketers watching on. The wicket-keeper batter looked in solid touch before an inside edge onto his foot forced him to retire hurt.
What started as a reverse sweep attempt quickly turned into a worrying scene as Pant dropped to the ground and required medical assistance. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has coached Pant at Delhi Capitals, was among the first to express concern.
He believes the nature of the injury and how Pant reacted to it could mean something more serious.
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Ricky Ponting is alarmed by Rishabh Pant's visible pain
Ponting pointed out that Pant didn’t even attempt to walk after the impact and had to be driven off in a golf cart, which was cause for concern.
"He hardly put his foot on the ground. He rolled around for 6-8 minutes before the golf cart came in. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I've had a metatarsal injury myself, and they're small, fragile bones," Ponting said on Sky Sports.
Rishabh Pant is driven off the field of play after suffering some severe swelling on his right foot and Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle... 🩹 pic.twitter.com/vJlu5CABQ8
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025
He added that Pant's participation in the remainder of the series is unlikely if the bone is broken.
"The fact that he couldn't put any weight on it doesn't look good at all. If it's broken, he will be out of the game. If it's not, then they will do anything they can to get him back out there."
"Hopefully, he doesn't play any more reverse sweeps," he added, half in jest.
Rishabh Pant's injury will impact India's momentum in Day 2 at Old Trafford
Pant's injury came as he was starting to shift gears alongside Sai Sudharsan. Ponting believes the blow could go beyond just one innings and may impact India's entire approach.
"Thinking about the situation of the game as well, Shardul has come out and played nicely, but with the way Rishabh plays and the momentum he brings to the Indian team, that is what they will potentially miss the most," he said.
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India's chances of winning will fall if Rishabh Pant is out injured
He warned that if Pant is side-lined, India's chances could take a hit in both the Manchester Test and the final game of the series.
"If he is out of the remainder of the game, then that leaves a massive dent on India's chance, not only in this game, but the remainder of the series," he concluded.
The BCCI has confirmed that Pant underwent scans at a hospital and is being monitored by the medical team. Further details are expected once the results come in.
India ended Day 1 at 264/4 with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur unbeaten on 19 each. Pant was batting on 37 when the injury occurred.