Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has suffered a suspected metatarsal fracture during the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. The injury occurred on Day 1 when Pant was batting on 37. Attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, he inside-edged the ball onto his right foot. The impact caused immediate swelling and discomfort, forcing Pant to retire hurt and be taken off the field on a medical buggy. Commentators and former cricketers watching the game expressed concern, noting the swelling and Pant’s inability to put weight on the foot—clear signs that hinted at a possible fracture.
Subsequent medical scans have reportedly confirmed a fractured metatarsal—one of the long bones in the foot. Cricket experts including Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri expressed concern about the seriousness of the injury, suggesting Pant could miss not just the remainder of the current Test but also the final match of the series. Based on initial reports, doctors have advised a rest period of approximately six weeks, effectively ruling him out of competitive cricket for the immediate future.
Pant’s absence is a major blow to the Indian side, as he has been a crucial figure with both the bat and the gloves. His aggressive style of play has often provided India with momentum in challenging conditions. With him sidelined, Dhruv Jurel has taken over wicketkeeping duties in Manchester. For the fifth and final Test at The Oval, Ishan Kishan is being considered as a replacement, adding further pressure on India’s team management to rethink their playing XI.
This injury marks yet another setback for Pant, who had only recently returned to international cricket following a long rehabilitation from a car accident in 2022. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a speedy recovery, but with a fractured metatarsal, the likelihood of seeing him back in action before late August or September appears slim. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to release an official update on his condition soon.