IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant injury frustrates India on Day 1 of the Manchester Test
India’s flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter often has luck on his side while attempting a reckless shot. However, ‘Spidey’ hasn’t been as fortunate when it comes to injuries. Defying the anticipation ahead of the fourth India vs England Test, Rishabh Pant was named in the playing XI as the designated wicketkeeper. However, on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, Pant suffered yet another setback while batting in the opening innings. After having injured his left index finger in the third Test at Lord's, Pant took a fresh blow, this time to his right foot. The 27-year-old had to be transported off the field in a golf cart after the impact rendered him immobile.
Big setback for Team India. 😞
— OneTurf News (@oneturf_news) July 23, 2025
Rishabh Pant is wheeled off the field with a swollen, bloodied foot during the Manchester Test. 🏏
📸: JioHotstar/X#oneturfnews #engvsind #teamindia #manchestertest #rishabhpant #injuryupdate #cricket pic.twitter.com/nuUOwtmPPI
The incident occurred in the 68th over of the first innings when Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes but was struck directly on the ankle. The Indian batter collapsed immediately, prompting urgent attention from the medical team. With noticeable swelling in his foot and no ability to walk unaided, he was taken off the ground, bringing a premature end to his innings at 37. Ravindra Jadeja stepped in to resume play in Pant’s place.
Can Dhruv Jurel replace the injured Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper batter in the Manchester Test?
The unfortunate attempt at a reverse sweep struck him square on the ankle, leaving the affected area bleeding. Pant looked in impressive flow before he copped a blow to his foot. As of now, the batter has retired hurt. The full extent of Pant’s injury is yet to be determined, but the situation presents another concern for the Indian camp. If Pant remains unavailable to continue, Dhruv Jurel might be called upon to take up wicketkeeping duties, just as he did in the Lord's Test.
The batting lineup, however, will take a significant hit. A retired hurt batter is allowed to return later, if fit, at the fall of a wicket. However, if he remains unable to continue, the innings ends with the fall of nine wickets. While a replacement can come in as a wicketkeeper or fielder, he cannot bat or bowl in place of the injured player. Thus, if Pant’s injury persists, Dhruv Jurel can come in as a wicketkeeping cover but not as a batsman for India.
