India wicket keeper Rishabh Pant was driven off the field in a mini-ambulance car after sustaining a critical blow to his right foot during the opening day of the 4th India vs England Test in Manchester today.
The incident took place in the 68th over of India’s innings, when Pant attempted a rebellious reverse sweep to a fuller, slower delivery from Chris Woakes. The shot backfired badly, as the ball struck Pant’s ankle, causing the Indian wicket keeper to collapse on the pitch in pain.
Following the delivery, there was a loud lbw appeal from England, which was turned down by the on-field umpire, but the real concern quickly shifted to Pant’s injury. Replays confirmed a faint under-edge had saved Pant’s wicket, but that proved to be of little consolation. Pant was visibly distressed and unable to stand properly. His foot had significantly swollen and was visibly bleeding, which suggested something far more serious than just a bruise.
.
The physio rushed to the field to assess the damage, and after a brief attempt to help him walk, it became clear he could not continue. A small medical vehicle was called to take him away. Pant was seen clutching his leg and grimacing as the car slowly drove off.
Rishabh Pant is driven off the field of play after suffering some severe swelling on his right foot and Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle… 🩹 pic.twitter.com/vJlu5CABQ8
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025
The 27-year-old was looking set on 37, having collected two fours and a six along the way, when he suffered the injury that certainly has ruled him out for the remainder of the day, if not the first innings.
This is not Pant’s first injury in the Tendulkar-Ashwin Series
Rishabh Pant suffered an injury for the second time in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series. After suffering a finger injury that suspended him from wicketkeeping duties in the third Test at Lord’s, Pant was forced to retire hurt in today’s game, where he was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja on the crease.
What does this mean for India?
Pant’s injury marks a significant setback for the Indian squad, who continue to put their best foot forward in their do-or-die match against England. The side is currently trailing 2-1 after three Tests. Pant suffered a finger injury while keeping in the first innings of the previous Test at Lord’s, freeing him of his wicket-keeping duties. He did, however, bat in both innings, and also scored a gritty half-century in the first.
In a thrilling turn of events during England’s series against India, the hosts managed to claw their way back into contention on day one of the fourth Test, taking four wickets on Wednesday. The young Indian side’s current score is 264/4, a score that experts believe currently favours the English side.
England, leading the five-Test series 2-1, saw their risk-taking captain Ben Stokes choose to bowl first after winning the toss. This decision went against historical precedent, as no team winning the toss and bowling first has ever won a Test at Old Trafford.