In a significant setback for Team India, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been diagnosed with a fractured toe and has been ruled out of action for six weeks. The injury occurred on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, when Pant attempted a risky reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and was struck on his right foot.
Pant, who was batting fluently on 37, misjudged a premeditated reverse sweep in the 68th over. The ball took an inside edge before smashing into his boot, leaving him in visible agony. He collapsed to the ground and was seen grimacing in pain as the physio rushed to assist. The injury caused significant swelling and even a visible cut, forcing Pant to retire hurt and leave the field on a medical buggy.
BCCI Confirms Fracture, Pant Out of Final Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has since confirmed the fracture and stated that Pant will not be available for the fifth and final Test at The Oval (July 31–August 4). The medical team has advised six weeks of rest and rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of any competitive cricket until at least mid-September.
While Pant was seen in the Indian dressing room on Day 2 and was technically “available to bat as per team requirements,” sources close to the team revealed that the chances of his return to the crease are slim. “He still needs support to walk… chances of his batting look very bleak,” a BCCI source
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025
Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the…
Ishan Kishan Named Replacement
In Pant’s absence, the selectors have decided to add Ishan Kishan to the squad for the final Test. Kishan, who last played a Test in 2023, will serve as the backup wicketkeeper.
Pant’s injury adds to India’s mounting fitness crisis, with all-rounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy (knee) already ruled out of the series, and fast bowlers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb) unavailable for the fourth Test.
Expert Reactions: “It Doesn’t Look Good”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed concern over the nature of the injury:
“The immediate swelling was a worry for me… I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones. The fact he couldn’t put any weight on it—it doesn’t look good at all.”
Former England captain Michael Atherton echoed similar sentiments:
“If he’s out of the series, that’s a massive blow to India… 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with the new ball due, there is a potential to knock India over swiftly.”
Pant’s absence from the remainder of the Test will not only affect India’s batting strength but also their wicketkeeping stability. Substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel, who had replaced Pant during the third Test after a finger injury, continues to don the gloves for the remainder of the fourth match.
A Painful Twist in Pant’s Comeback Story
Pant’s injury is especially heartbreaking given his remarkable return to Test cricket in September 2024—nearly two years after surviving a near-fatal car crash in December 2022. Since his return, he has been one of India’s standout performers in the series, scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test, followed by half-centuries in the second and third.
The latest setback not only halts his red-hot form but raises questions about his short-term availability across formats, especially with India eyeing key assignments in the ICC calendar.
What Next for Team India?
With one of their most dynamic players sidelined, India faces a tactical void ahead of the crucial final Test. The pressure will now fall on senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja to anchor the batting unit. For Pant, it’s a race against time to recover and regain match fitness before the upcoming international season.
As fans hope for a speedy recovery, the cricketing world once again waits to see Pant—known for his flair, grit, and charisma—return to the field, hopefully stronger than ever.