India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is unlikely to feature again in the Manchester Test and is set to miss the remainder of the England Test series after scans confirmed a fracture in his right toe. The injury, sustained on Day 1 at Old Trafford, has dealt a heavy blow to India at a pivotal juncture in the series. Pant has been advised to rest and will remain under the close supervision of the BCCI medical team.

Dhruv Jurel, who had previously stepped in during the third Test, will take over the wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. Rishabh Pant was batting confidently on 37 in the 68th over when disaster struck. Attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, the ball brushed the inside edge of his bat before crashing into his right toe.

England appealed for an LBW decision, but UltraEdge confirmed the inside edge, saving Pant the dismissal—but not the damage. He immediately winced in pain and signalled for medical assistance. Within moments, India’s physios rushed onto the field. Blood was visible through his boot, and swelling was evident.

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The seriousness of the injury became clear as Pant was taken off on a golf cart converted into a makeshift ambulance. He was sent straight for scans, and while the team initially hoped he could return with pain management if needed, further medical evaluation ruled him out of the Test.

The BCCI issued a statement: “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.”

Some bad news for Rishabh Pant 🤕

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This marks Pant’s second injury of the series. In the Lord’s Test, he suffered a bruised finger while keeping, leading to Dhruv Jurel stepping in during England’s second innings. His continued injury concerns are becoming a worrying pattern for India, especially with key tournaments like the Asia Cup and the start of the home season on the horizon.

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Pant’s absence is deeply felt, especially given the momentum he was building before the injury. Youngster Sai Sudharsan, who scored a composed 61 on debut, acknowledged the blow. “He was batting really well. If he doesn’t return, it’s definitely a loss. But the rest of us are focused on batting deep and making up for it,” Sai Sudharsan said.

As India tries to claw its way back into the series, Pant’s injury adds another layer of complexity to an already intense contest.