July 23, 2025: In a worrying moment of pure pain, India’s powerful wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant had to leave the field in a mini-ambulance car after getting a serious knock to his right foot during the fourth Test match in Manchester today. The event, which took place during India’s 68th over, has put a huge damper on India’s important effort to tie the series with England.
How the Injury Happened: Pant, who is known for his daring strokeplay, tried to hit a reverse sweep against a fuller, slower ball from England’s seamer Chris Woakes. But the shooting went very wrong. The ball hit his right boot hard, and the left-handed player fell to the ground in pain immediately away.
The players from England yelled loudly for an LBW, but the on-field umpire said no. The focus quickly moved to Pant’s painful injury. Replays eventually showed that a faint under-edge had spared him from going out, although this did little to ease Pant’s obvious agony. He couldn’t stand up straight, and the swelling and bleeding on his foot made it clear that he had a far worse injury than just a bruise.
A Series of Woes for Pant: This new setback makes Pant’s physical problems even worse. He had already hurt his finger in the last Test match at Lord’s. Even though he was hurt before, Pant bravely kept batting in both innings at Lord’s, even getting a tough half-century in the first. The fresh injury to his foot makes it quite likely that he won’t be able to play in this important match right away.
The Indian physio quickly ran onto the field to check the damage. After a short effort to help him walk, it was evident that Pant would not be able to finish his innings. A tiny medical van was quickly called to take him off the field. As the car gently drove him away, Pant was seen holding his hurt leg and grimacing in pain. This made his colleagues and supporters very apprehensive.
What this means for India’s Chase: Pant’s sudden exit is a big blow to the Indian squad, who are urgently trying to win the series in Manchester. India is down 2-1 in the five-match series, therefore this fourth Test is a must-win for them to keep their dreams of winning the series alive in England.
We don’t know how bad Pant’s foot injury is yet, but the first symptoms aren’t good. If he has a hurt foot, he might not be able to do his wicketkeeping duties again in this Test. Also, if the swelling and pain don’t go away overnight, he probably won’t be able to bat again on Day 2 of the match.
Jadeja Joins Sudharsan at the Crease: After Pant had to leave the crease, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja joined youthful Sai Sudharsan in the middle. Jadeja comes into the innings in great shape, having hit four hundreds in a row in his last four Test innings. Sai Sudharsan, who made his return to the starting XI with a tough half-century in this innings, will now be expected to keep up the same level of play, especially after Pant had to leave the game. This partnership will be very important for India to settle their innings and get a good score.