Rishabh Pant breaks foot, ruled out of England series

India's Rishabh Pant faced a critical injury during the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford on July 23, 2025. While batting, he attempted to reverse sweep a delivery from Chris Woakes and inadvertently struck the ball onto his foot, resulting in severe swelling and bruising. Despite receiving on-field treatment and being taken off in a golf buggy, Pant managed to return and continue his innings after a brief retirement hurt. However, scans later confirmed that the India vice-captain suffered a fractured metatarsal, making his participation in the remainder of the series highly doubtful. This injury not only affects Pant's performance as a key player but also poses a significance issue for India’s chances in the ongoing Test series. Pant has been a standout performer throughout the series, accumulating 462 runs at an impressive average of 77, including two centuries. His absence creates a substantial void in the Indian lineup, which will likely rely on players like Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel to step up in his absence. As India was already grappling with competitive pressure from England, Pant's injury came as a harsh blow just as the team aimed to secure a lead in the Test series. The incident raised concerns among teammates and fans alike, highlighting the physical risks faced during high-intensity matches. Reports speculated on Pant's potential for recovery and return within the series timeline, leaving Indian supporters anxious for updates. Moving forward, Dhruv Jurel had previously filled in for Pant when he sustained a finger injury in the prior Test match, making him the primary candidate to take the wicketkeeping duties in the ongoing match and potentially at The Oval in the fifth Test. Meanwhile, as India continues in the fourth Test, the team must adapt to the sudden loss of Pant while striving to maintain their performance against England.