India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant remained on the sidelines on the first day because of injury and this has happened for the second time in this Test series. In the 68th over, bowled by Chris Woakes, Pant was hit on the right foot while going for a reverse-sweep. The full-length delivery hit him on the outside of his boot and left him in visible pain. After an LBW appeal by England followed by a DRS referral, the replay affirmed an inside edge off Pant’s bat.
Even before the third umpire could give his verdict, Pant was evidently in pain. He took off his gloves and hobbled around the crease, triggering immediate concern from the physio. During the drinks interval, the medical team took off his right boot, sock, and pads, and noticed swelling and a spot of blood on the outside of the foot. Unable to support his weight on it, Pant had to be taken off the field in a buggy, and a fresh batter was sent in.
Immediately after injury Pant was taken to the hospital and scans were conducted following which the doctors advised him six weeks of rest because he fractured his toe. But Rishabh Pant defied all the odds and came in to bat at day 2 of the 4th Test and hit a heroic half-century as well. Fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur praised Pant’s magnificent move to play for the country despite being injured and explained his situation when he saw Pant.
Rishabh Pant Plays With Fractured Toe
“I think it was always our plan (to try and bring Pant to the middle). There were quite a few efforts from the medical team. So, yes, kudos to them,”
“They could get Rishabh back onto the field. He could bat there for a while. And whatever he did, it’s of course vital runs for the team he scored.
Pant Was “In A Lot Pain”
“And yes, he was in a lot of pain. And we have seen him doing a lot of amazing things. And this was just another amazing thing that he did for the team today,” added Shardul.
“Everyone was very excited to see how he would approach for his innings. And I think what he showed today, the passion he showed for the team is unmatched. We have seen a lot of instances in the past when they have batted with fractures.
“I think there was a time when Graeme Smith was batting in the South African team. His hand was fractured. So, in these moments, the grit of the player comes into play.
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Shardul Thakur Reveals Pant’s Back End Struggle
“And I think Rishabh’s positivity and his grit keeps him away from all the pains and whatever pain he has. His pain-bearing capacity is very high. If he is in pain, it is a big injury,” said Thakur.
“That is his call and medical team’s call. In the morning we thought maybe he will be able to bat. Earlier, I had to touch his feet and see if he was able to walk properly. If he is able to walk properly, then we can talk about batting.
“When we reached the ground and were warming up, he was not there. And then I went for batting. I don’t know what happened after that,” confirmed Thakur.
“If he is able to walk properly, then we can talk about batting and when we reached the ground and got warmed up, he was not there and then I went for batting. I don’t know what happened after that and I think there is a fracture. The news is already out. There is a fracture and it can’t be doubted,” he noted.
