For the second time in a row in a Test match, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant remained on the sidelines on the first day because of injury. 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.
What Happened To Rishabh Pant?
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 were able to see swelling and a spot of blood on the outside of the foot. Unable to support his weight on it, Pant had to be taken from the field in a buggy, and a fresh batter was sent in.
Fingers crossed for our X-factor 🤞
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 23, 2025
Speedy recovery, Rishabh!#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/ZHfyMvMfNx
Before retiring hurt, Pant was playing on 37 from 48 balls. India were 212 for 3 after deciding to bat first in the fourth Test, with England already leading the series 2-1. At stumps, the visitors had moved to 264 for 4.
Sai Sudharsan Gives Pant’s Injury Update
“He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they’ve gone for scans. We’ll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow,” said Sai Sudharsan as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“Obviously (it will be a big miss if he’s ruled out), because he was batting really well today as well. Plus, we’ll miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again. So, it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. So, we’ll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well,” he added.
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Pant’s Injury A Big Setback For India
This is the latest addition to India’s mounting list of fitness issues. Earlier this week, pacers Akash Deep (groin strain) and Arshdeep Singh (fingertip injury) were both ruled out of the running, necessitating the inclusion and debut of Anshul Kamboj. Interestingly, Pant had only just returned from a finger injury he suffered during the Lord’s Test, which had kept him from wearing the wicketkeeping gloves.
