Rishabh Pant was taken off on a golf cart after sustaining a foot injury in Manchester. (AP Photo)
India’s hopes in the fourth Test at Old Trafford suffered a major scare as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after a painful blow to his right foot, leaving his participation in the remainder of the game – and potentially the series – under serious doubt. The incident drew concern and strong words from former England captain Mike Atherton, who called the injury a “massive blow” to India’s chances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Pant, who had looked in ominous touch with 37 off 48 balls, sustained the injury while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. The ball ricocheted onto his boot, leaving him visibly distressed. He was seen removing his shoe to reveal significant swelling and was eventually taken off the field on a medical cart.Speaking on Sky Sports, Atherton underscored the gravity of the situation. “If Pant is out of the game, out of the series, that’s a massive blow for India. And that 264 for 4 becomes 264 for 5 with the new ball due,” he said. “Potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow. If he comes back and bats, then he could change the game again tomorrow. So there’s that uncertainty. We don’t know. It looked quite a serious injury. You don’t get carted off in a golf cart if it’s not a serious injury.”
Poll
How significant is Rishabh Pant’s injury to India’s chances in the Test series?
Sai Sudharsan, who top-scored for India with 61, was batting alongside Pant when the incident occurred. “He was in a lot of pain,” Sudharsan said after stumps. “He’s gone for scans, and we’ll get to know overnight. It will definitely have consequences if he doesn’t come back to bat.”
England’s Liam Dawson, who took the key wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, echoed those concerns. “It didn’t look a great injury,” Dawson said. “I can’t see him taking much more part in this game.”Pant has been a vital cog for India in the series, scoring 462 runs at an average of 77. His availability could be the difference between India staying alive or conceding the series.
