Rishabh Pant's injury during the fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Indian team. The incident occurred on the first day of the Test, when Pant was struck on his right foot by a Chris Woakes yorker while attempting a reverse sweep. The blow was severe enough to force him to retire hurt and be carted off the field for scans.
Former England captain Michael Atherton expressed serious concerns about the extent of Pant's injury. Speaking to Sky Cricket, Atherton stated that being "carted off" usually indicates a significant injury. He fears that if Pant is ruled out of the game or, worse, the series, it would be a massive blow to India's chances. Atherton believes that without Pant, India's strong position of 264 for four could quickly turn into 264 for five, especially with the new ball due.
Pant's injury occurred in the final hour of play. He had been batting aggressively, scoring 37 runs off 48 balls, before the unfortunate incident. Replays showed that the ball had taken an inside edge before hitting his foot. Pant was seen limping in pain before collapsing, which prompted immediate medical attention.
Sai Sudharsan, who was batting with Pant at the time of the injury, acknowledged that Pant was in considerable pain. Sudharsan mentioned that Pant had gone for scans and the team expected an official update on his condition the following morning. He also affirmed that the rest of the team was prepared to step up if Pant was unable to continue.
Other English cricket experts, such as Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad, expressed their hope for Pant's quick recovery. Hussain emphasized Pant's importance to the game and the series, while Broad hoped that the medical staff could reduce the swelling and allow him to bat on Day 2.
Pant had previously sustained a finger injury during the Lord's Test match, which had forced him to relinquish his keeping duties in the prior game. Despite this, he made a swift recovery and played as a specialist batter in the fourth Test. The current foot injury, however, appears to be more serious, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the series.
