Rishabh Pant Injured on Day 1 of 4th Test; Taken for Scans After Painful Hit Leaves India in Uncertainty

New Delhi (India) July 24: On Day 1 of the India vs. England's fourth Test at Old Trafford, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's promising performance ended abruptly. He took a hard hit on his right foot. Pant tried to do a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes, but he missed the ball entirely and was hit in the foot. 

The harm was done even though UltaEdge showed a slight contact, preventing an LBW decision. The blood covers his foot and the camera focuses on the swelling.

Pant hit on right foot

Yogesh Parmar is the physiotherapist of the team. He hurries out to treat Pant right away. But the pain kept Rishabh from standing up again. The crowd fell silent in amazement as Pant goes from the field using a mini-ambulance cart. His grim expressions and the swelling are captured on camera. He is clearly seen in pain.

Emergency scans were performed at a nearby medical facility after Pant left.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said, "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” in a statement.

Shastri fears serious injury

Ravi Shastri is the former head coach of India. He provides a bleak picture of Pant's condition. He states that the injury does appear to be quite serious.

Shastri said, “Just seeing his face, grimacing there. He has a pain threshold that's very high, and for him to be grimacing in pain in that fashion makes it very serious. It can only get worse overnight. When you get up in the morning, it can be really sore, no matter the amount of ice you put. He will be icing it through the night. Let's hope it's not a break or it's not a crack."

India at 264/4 by stumps

India set a strong foundation at 212/3 prior to Pant's departure. There was a 94-run partnership between openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, wickets fell as the session went on. Rahul and Jaiswal got out. Shubman Gill had a short and disappointing 12-run stint.

Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur entered the game after Pant left the field. They carefully set the score to 264/4 by stumps.

India was already on edge due to Pant's history of injuries. The most notable is a finger problem during the most recent Test match at Lord's. The focus now shifts to backup wicketkeeping options due to doubts over his fitness for the remainder of this game. 

The team and supporters will be eagerly awaiting medical information as Day 2 starts. There are important issues regarding team balance as Pant's scans will determine if he can resume or is ruled out.

Aadrika Tayal