Despite nursing a fractured foot, Rishabh Pant showcased immense grit and commitment as he returned to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had suffered the injury on the opening day when an attempted reverse sweep off Chris Woakes resulted in the ball taking an inside edge and smashing into his right toe.
Pant was visibly in pain immediately after the blow. He received medical attention on the field before being stretchered off and taken for scans. Reports later confirmed a fracture, with doctors advising a six-week rest period. Blood was seen seeping through his boot, and swelling had already set in by the time he left the field, hinting at the severity of the injury.
ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan Ruled Out Due to Injury; Indiaโs Wicketkeeping Crisis Deepens After Rishabh Pant’s Toe Fracture
Despite the discomfort, Rishabh Pant returned to resume his innings on Day 2, walking in after the fall of Shardul Thakur with India at 314 for 6. His decision to bat in such pain underlines his growing stature as a team man and a fighter, especially in a series-defining contest where every run counts.
Rishabh Pant is hobbling out to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd! ๐คฏ pic.twitter.com/I1vZ1MLR16
โ Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025
๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ซก
That’s it, that’s the post
Updates โถ๏ธ https://t.co/L1EVgGtx3a#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/uhtBxiTWjR
โ BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined theโฆ
โ BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
ย
The BCCI issued a statement confirming that Pant would not take up wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in behind the stumps. However, they stopped short of revealing the full extent of his injury.
ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Suffers Toe Fracture, Ruled Out Of Manchester Test and England Series
Pant’s brave return comes at a time when India is already grappling with a growing list of injury concerns, and with Ishan Kishan also ruled out due to an ankle injury after a scooty fall, the wicketkeeping options are stretched thin. But Pantโs determination to take the field despite his condition adds a crucial emotional boost to the Indian dressing room, as the visitors continue their fight to level the series.
