Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is facing a likely exit from the remainder of the Test series against England after sustaining a painful blow to his right foot on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, sources confirmed.
Medical advice has reportedly recommended six weeks of rest, putting his participation in doubt.
India will field with only ten available batters for the ongoing match, with Dhruv Jurel taking over behind the stumps.
The visitors were 264 for four in their first innings at stumps.
The injury occurred when Pant, at 37, attempted a reverse sweep against a yorker from Chris Woakes.
The ball ricocheted off the edge of his bat and struck his foot with force, causing immediate distress. Medical staff assisted him off the field in a buggy as he writhed in agony.
Observers noted visible swelling, bleeding, and an inability to put weight on the injured foot, prompting concern from teammates and fans alike.
The BCCI later issued an update via their social media handle.
Taking to X, the BCCI posted, “Update: 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.”
In light of the situation, selectors may bring in Ishan Kishan, the left-handed keeper-batter recently seen playing County cricket for Nottinghamshire.
Kishan, reinstated in this season’s BCCI Central Contracts, has scored 78 runs in two Tests, including a half-century. He showed strong form in the County Championship, scoring 77 and 87 in late June.
In 60 first-class matches, he has tallied 3,611 runs at an average of 38.82. His record includes eight centuries and 19 fifties, with a top score of 273. He also boasts a brisk strike rate of 69.37.
This marks the second injury Pant has sustained on the tour. In the third Test at Lord’s, he suffered a finger injury while wicketkeeping but continued to bat, courageously scoring 74 and 9 in the second innings.
Jofra Archer bowled him as India fell short in a 193-run chase.
Pant has, however, been in sublime touch this series, amassing 462 runs at an average of 77.00 and a strike rate above 78. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the series, with two centuries and two fifties to his name.
