India were dealt a worrying blow late on Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Manchester when Rishabh Pant was forced off the field with a foot injury. The nature of the incident and the swelling that followed left former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Michael Atherton concerned. While Ponting feared a metatarsal issue due to Pant’s inability to put any weight on the foot, Atherton called it a "massive blow" and suggested the injury could swing the momentum in England’s way.
Pant got injured during the 68th over of India’s innings after misjudging a premeditated reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. The ball struck his right foot hard and he immediately showed signs of discomfort. He limped around in pain and called for medical assistance. The physio rushed to the middle and attended to his swollen, bloodied foot before he was helped onto a medical cart and driven off the ground.
At the time, Rishabh Pant was batting on 37 and had looked in good rhythm before the injury halted his innings. Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat after Pant’s injury. India lost Sai Sudharsan shortly after. The visitors ended the day at 264/4 but the mood in the camp was clearly dampened by Pant’s injury.
Also read: India vs England: India Registers 14th Straight Coin Toss Loss
Fears Grow Over Rishabh Pant’s Injury as Ricky Ponting, Michael Atherton Sound Alarm
Ponting was visibly concerned by the extent of Pant’s injury. Drawing from his own experience, he said the way Pant was unable to stand or walk properly indicated a potentially serious issue.
"He (Pant) hardly put his foot on the ground. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones. The fact he couldn’t put any weight on it, it doesn’t look good at all,” Ponting said as quoted on Sky Sports.
Atherton stressed how the incident could alter the match situation. He said India’s position could weaken rapidly if Pant fails to return.
"If he is out of the game…if he’s out of the series, then that’s a massive blow to India and puts the day in a different light. That 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with that new ball due, there is a potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow. But if he returns to bat, he could change the game. So there is an uncertainty which we don’t know. But it looked like a quite serious injury, because you don’t get carted off otherwise," Atherton opined.
BCCI Issues Brief Update on Rishabh Pant’s injury
Soon after stumps, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a short statement confirming that Pant had been taken for scans. The board added that its medical team would continue to monitor the situation.
"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," BCCI wrote on X.
If Pant is ruled out of further participation, Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over behind the stumps. Jurel had replaced Pant earlier in the series at Lord’s as a wicket-keeper after the latter suffered a thumb injury.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: Watch - Shubman Gill Booed By Manchester Crowd After His Dismissal
