Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has opined that Rishabh Pant sustained a ‘serious’ injury in the 4th Test against England. He also showed hope that Pant doesn’t have a broken bone in his foot. However, Pant retired hurt on a 48-ball 37 on Day 1 in Manchester on Wednesday, July 23. India ended the day at 264/4 in their first innings after being asked to bat first as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “Rishabh Pant, big one. When he was batting, he had scored 37 runs off just 48 balls. Until he keeps playing, he changes the course of the game. However, he then tried to play an unconventional shot. The ball hit his foot. There was blood and a swelling as well. When you go out in a golf cart, you start thinking that it’s serious. No information has come thus far. Maybe they are keeping their cards close to their chest, but the way he got injured, it seems difficult that he would be able to come to bat. I just hope it’s not a broken bone.”

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However, Aakash Chopra also stated that India would need Rishabh Pant as the new ball is likely to be used at the start of play on Day 2, with the conditions also helping the seamers.

“I really hope that he comes because the new ball is due. Shardul Thakur is there with Ravindra Jadeja. The ball is going to do a little bit. Again the conditions will be overcast because it’s cloudy at the moment from Birmingham to Leeds up north. The weather will play a role,” he said.

“If they play out the first session and reach 450 runs, it’s okay, but if they get bowled out there, if we surrender against the second new ball, then it’s a huge concern. That will be worth watching because you have Washington Sundar and the three bowlers after this. If Rishabh doesn’t come, things will change a lot. If we don’t reach 400-450, we will be staring down the barrel,” Aakash Chopra concluded.