Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford brought more than just competitive cricket. It got a scare — and a big one at that. India’s go-to wicketkeeper and middle-order game-changer, Rishabh Pant Injury Update, walked off the field after taking a nasty hit to his foot.
No one saw it coming. One moment he was reverse-sweeping like only Pant does, the next — grimace, hobble, cart.
Is Pant going to play on Day 2?
Midway through India’s innings, Pant was trying to accelerate. With Chris Woakes bowling tight lines, Pant attempted a reverse sweep — a risky shot, sure, but one he usually pulls off cleanly.
Not this time.
Instead of hitting the ball to the boundary, it ricocheted off his foot. Right in the toe zone. He immediately winced. For a second, it looked like he might shake it off — but then came the limp. And the halt. And the cart.
That’s when you knew it wasn’t just a bruise.
Medical Check: What’s the Damage?
Shortly after the incident, BCCI put out a short statement. No frills, just facts:
“Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting. He has been taken for scans. The medical team is monitoring his progress.”
As far as public updates go, that’s about it. But whispers from the camp suggest there was swelling, and medics feared a bone bruise or even a hairline fracture. Nothing confirmed. Nothing ruled out.
Until scans are fully assessed, Pant’s situation is in limbo.
Experts Weigh In — And It Doesn’t Sound Great
The moment Pant went down, the buzz in the commentary box shifted.
Ravi Shastri, known for not overreacting, said:
“That didn’t look like something he could walk off. The expression told the story.”
Michael Atherton went one step further:
“You don’t get carted off in a Test match unless it’s serious. This doesn’t look like something India will brush off.”
And truth be told, they’re probably right. It’s rare for a cricketer to leave the field unless absolutely necessary — especially someone like Pant, who’s known to push through.
So… Will He Play on Day 2?
As of now, that’s still up in the air.
Pant didn’t return for the rest of Day 1. That’s already a red flag. KL Rahul put on the gloves for the final session, and it looked like the team was already preparing to play without him.
If he can’t walk comfortably, wicketkeeping is out of the question. And batting? Maybe — but only if there’s dramatic improvement overnight.
Best case? He pads up later in the match if needed, possibly in the second innings.
Worst case? He sits out the Test. Or worse, the series.
If Pant Doesn’t Play, What’s the Plan?
Now here’s the tricky bit — how does India shuffle the deck if Pant is ruled out?
Here are the likely options:
- KL Rahul continues as the keeper
- Not ideal. It’ll affect his primary role with the bat. Plus, Rahul hasn’t kept much in Tests recently.
- Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel is called up
- If there’s permission for a squad switch, India may pull in one of their backup glovemen. But logistics during an overseas series? Always complicated.
- Make do with what you have
- It wouldn’t be the first time a team juggled roles. But in a Test match, especially in England, you need someone solid behind the stumps.
And that’s before we even talk about what Pant’s absence would mean with the bat.
Losing Pant Hurts. Here’s Why.
Let’s be honest — Rishabh Pant isn’t just another name in the XI. He’s a game-breaker. The guy who doesn’t follow the rulebook and still ends up changing the game.
- He unsettles bowlers when others are blocking
- He scores at a tempo that can flip sessions
- He keeps with confidence, especially to spin
So losing Pant doesn’t just mess with the scorecard. It changes the team’s mindset. It puts pressure on others to do more — and that’s not always fair.
We’ve Been Here Before
This isn’t the first time India’s had to deal with an injury crisis mid-series.
Remember Gabba 2021? Half the team was injured. Pant was among the wounded then too, hit on the elbow. But he came back and played that iconic knock.
That’s why some fans are still hopeful. If anyone can bounce back and surprise everyone, it’s probably Rishabh Pant.
But this one looks worse. The limp. The cart. The absence.
It doesn’t feel like something he’ll brush off overnight — but fingers crossed.
Social Media Trends
Within minutes of the incident, Twitter lit up. #RishabhPant and #GetWellSoonPant were trending globally. Fans, former players, and even a few English supporters sent messages wishing him a speedy recovery.
Some noted the irony — Pant, known for daring shots, fell to one of his own risky inventions. But many backed him, saying his approach is what makes him the X-factor.
As one fan tweeted:
“You live by the reverse sweep, you die by the reverse sweep. But never change, Pant.”
Final Call: What to Expect on Day 2
When Day 2 starts, all eyes will be on that dressing room. Will Pant emerge, helmet in hand? Or will he remain sidelined, waiting for further treatment?
Realistically speaking, unless there’s a significant drop in pain and swelling, we probably won’t see him take the field today.
If you’re betting — not just on the match, but on his return — it’s smart to hedge your expectations. India may have to proceed without their fearless No. 6.
Stay Updated with Expert Tips & Match Insights
For real-time updates on injuries, pitch reports, and expert cricket predictions, head over to CricketBettingTips.org
We cut through the noise and deliver sharp, accurate cricket betting tips, so you can stay ahead — whether you’re placing bets or just keeping up with the game.