Is Rishabh Pant's Injury a Major Concern for India in the 4th Test?
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Synopsis
In a gripping 4th Test against England, India's vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, was forced off the field due to a serious right foot injury. As the team faces this unexpected challenge, the situation raises questions about their performance and strategy in the ongoing match. Will Pant's absence impact India's chances in this pivotal showdown?
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant sustained a right foot injury during the 4th Test.
- The injury occurred while attempting a reverse-sweep.
- Pant retired hurt after scoring 37 runs.
- His potential return depends on medical evaluation.
- England may exploit Pant's absence to control the game's pace.
Manchester, July 23 (NationPress) A new injury concern has emerged for India during the ongoing fourth Test against England as vice-captain Rishabh Pant was taken off the field on day one of this pivotal match in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Old Trafford due to a right foot injury.
During the 68th over, on the fourth ball, Pant attempted a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes but unfortunately under-edged the ball directly onto his right foot. Although England wasted a review on the attempted lbw, Pant displayed visible distress while receiving medical assistance from physio Kamlesh Jain, prompting umpires to call for a drinks break.
The swelling on Pant's foot resembled a table tennis ball, with some bleeding evident, rendering him unable to bear weight on the injured foot. Ultimately, an ambulance buggy resembling a golf cart transported a grimacing Pant off the field, as he retired hurt after scoring 37 runs off 48 balls, following a partnership of 72 runs with B. Sai Sudharsan.
As Ravindra Jadeja stepped up to bat, the expression on Pant's face indicated that this injury could pose a significant problem for India. In the previous third Test at Lord's, Pant had sustained an injury to his left finger while keeping, leading to him being replaced by Dhruv Jurel, who performed admirably with scores of 74 and 9.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed that England now has a chance to penetrate India's batting lineup with Pant's absence. He remarked, "With the Pant injury, which appears quite serious, England will believe they have the opportunity to dominate the game. Without Pant, Stokes feels he can manage the game's tempo better."
If Pant is confirmed to have no serious injury and the swelling reduces, he may return to bat according to section 25.4 of the ICC Playing Conditions.
The rule states: “A batter may retire at any time during his innings when the ball is dead. The umpires must be informed of the reason for a batter retiring before allowing play to resume. If a batter retires due to illness, injury, or any other unavoidable cause, that batter is entitled to resume his innings.”
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the impact of such injuries on the dynamics of the game. Rishabh Pant's absence could significantly alter India's batting strategy, providing England with a potential advantage. However, the resilience of the team should not be underestimated. It's a moment for India to rally together and prove their mettle in this challenging situation.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Rishabh Pant's injury?
Rishabh Pant's injury occurred when he attempted a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes, resulting in the ball striking his right foot.
How serious is Rishabh Pant's injury?
The injury appears serious, with significant swelling and bleeding observed. However, further medical assessment is required to determine its extent.
Can Pant return to bat in the match?
If Pant's swelling subsides and no serious injury is confirmed, he may be allowed to resume his innings according to ICC Playing Conditions.
Who replaced Pant in the batting order?
Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat after Pant retired hurt.
What does this mean for India's chances in the match?
Pant's absence may weaken India's batting line-up, giving England an opportunity to capitalize on the situation.
