Cricket
Rishabh Pant Injury Update: A Gritty Comeback Amidst Serious Setback
The Incident: Sudden Shock at Old Trafford
During the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1. The ball struck his right foot with force, and what seemed minor turned serious fast.
Pant was visibly in pain, collapsed to the ground, and after medical assessment, was carted off the field using a golf buggy—a rare sight in cricket unless injuries are severe. Former England captain Michael Atherton summed up the concern: You don’t get carted off the ground unless it’s really serious.
Medical Diagnosis: Compound Fracture Confirmed
Initial scans confirmed a compound fracture in his right toe—a painful condition where the bone breaks through the skin. Symptoms included:
- Immediate swelling
- Restricted movement
- Pain even during rest
Recovery Timeline
Doctors estimate a 6 to 8-week recovery period, which includes:
- 3 weeks immobilization
- 3–5 weeks of physiotherapy
- Gradual load-bearing rehab
Given the severity, Pant is unlikely to participate in the remaining Test at The Oval or any cricket in August 2025.
A Heroic Comeback: Batting Through the Pain
In a stunning turn, Pant returned to bat on Day 2—an act that stunned teammates and fans alike. Hopping on one foot and leaning heavily on his bat between runs, he scored a defiant 54 off 75 balls. How do you break a man who’s defeated death?” said Aakash Chopra, referencing Pant’s near-fatal car crash in 2022 and his sheer willpower to keep fighting.
His innings gave India a fighting total of 358 and boosted team morale, despite his inability to field or keep wickets.
Wicket-Keeping Duties Handed to Dhruv Jurel
With Pant ruled out of fielding, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the substitute wicket-keeper. The BCCI has not yet confirmed a replacement, but Ishan Kishan is the likely backup for the final Test if required. Pant is our X-factor, our match-winner. Losing him at this point changes our balance,” said former cricketer Ravi Shastri.
Impact on India’s Series Hopes
India trails 1–2 in the five-match Test series against England. With Pant sidelined, the team faces:
- Loss of an aggressive middle-order batter
- Disruption in team combination
- Pressure on younger players like Jurel and Gill to step up
Pant’s unique ability to counterattack under pressure is unmatched in the squad. His injury may swing momentum England’s way unless India responds with tight bowling and batting partnerships.
Expert Commentary
- Ricky Ponting: “Foot injuries in cricket are tricky. You can bat with them sometimes, but recovery for elite fielding takes much longer.”
- Michael Vaughan: “Pant missing could shift the outcome of the series. India will miss his flair.”
- BCCI Medical Panel: “He will not keep wickets in the remainder of the match. Further participation will be evaluated post-scan and physio feedback.”
Injury Timeline Breakdown
| Date | Incident | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| July 24 | Injury during reverse sweep | Retired hurt, scanned |
| July 25 | Toe fracture confirmed | Rest and non-weight bearing |
| July 26 | Returned to bat | Scored 54 runs off 75 balls |
| July 27+ | Kept out of fielding duties | Dhruv Jurel takes gloves |
| August 2025 | Likely recovery phase | May return by late September |
What Happens Next?
- Team reshuffle: Jurel or Kishan may play full-time
- Fitness tracking: Pant’s daily physio will be monitored by NCA
- Asia Cup & WTC final concerns: If recovery delays, his participation in early 2026 tournaments may be affected
- Leadership vacuum: Pant is a strategic vice-captain candidate—his absence weakens on-field leadership depth