Team India suffered a major blow on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the right foot by a sharp delivery from England’s Chris Woakes. Pant, who was batting fluently on 37, appeared in severe pain and had to be taken off the field.
Pant was visibly in discomfort with a swollen, bleeding foot and could barely stand. A motorised stretcher was called in, and he was taken for scans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the injury and said that Pant’s condition is being closely monitored by the medical team.
BCCI’s official update read: “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.”
At the post-day press conference, Sai Sudharsan provided an update and shared the team’s concern over Pant’s injury. “He was in a lot of pain, definitely. Scans have been done and we should know more by tomorrow,” Sudharsan said. He added, “We’ll miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again. He was playing really well.”
Despite Pant’s premature exit, India finished the day on a strong note at 264/4 in 83 overs, thanks to solid contributions from Sai Sudharsan (61), Yashasvi Jaiswal (54), and an unbeaten partnership between Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*).
Earlier in the day, India won the toss and elected to bat. Openers KL Rahul and Jaiswal provided a steady start before the middle order consolidated. KL Rahul also reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs in England, joining Indian legends like Gavaskar, Dravid, Tendulkar, and Kohli.
The match is part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. With India holding a strong position after Day 1, all eyes will be on Pant’s medical report and whether he’ll be fit to continue in the match. His absence could significantly impact India’s balance going forward.
