India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant might be facing another tough break — literally. On Day 1 of the 4th Test match against England in Manchester, Pant had to leave the field after hurting his right foot badly. The injury happened while he was playing one of his bold shots — a reverse sweep — which didn’t go as planned.
Pant was on 37 and looking dangerous as always. He tried to reverse sweep a yorker from Chris Woakes. But instead of the ball going to the boundary, it hit his right boot. He fell instantly and rolled on the ground in pain. The medical team rushed in.
When they removed his shoe, his foot was swollen and bruised. That’s when the worry began. He couldn’t even stand properly. Finally, he had to be taken off the field in a golf cart.
Experts Sound the Alarm
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was watching closely. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said that Pant’s pain looked serious. “He doesn’t show pain easily,” Shastri said. “For him to make that face, it’s big. It can get worse overnight.”
Ricky Ponting, who has worked with Pant in the IPL, feared it could be a metatarsal fracture. “The swelling came right away. I’ve had this injury myself. If it’s broken, he won’t play again in this match or maybe even this series,” Ponting said.
He also added that Pant couldn’t put any weight on the foot. That’s a red flag. And yes, he joked that maybe Pant should stop playing reverse sweeps.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Pant brings momentum. He plays shots no one expects. He breaks pressure. His style makes bowlers rethink. So losing Pant is not just about losing a batter — it’s about losing a game-changer.
England great Michael Atherton also shared his view. He said if Pant is out of the series, it will be a “massive blow” to India. “264 for 4 becomes 264 for 5,” he pointed out. With the new ball due, that’s danger for India.
For now, all eyes are on the scan reports. The Indian team is hoping it’s just a bruise and not a break. Pant is known for bouncing back fast. But this time, the signs don’t look good.
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