Rishabh Pant Forced to Retire Hurt with Foot Injury; Doubt Cast on Remainder of Test

Pant Forced to Retire Hurt After Foot Injury

Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field due to a foot injury during the opening day of the ongoing Test match. This marks the second consecutive Test where Pant has sustained an injury. The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the 68th over, bowled by Chris Woakes, when the Indian vice-captain was struck on his right foot.

Pant was wheeled off in a buggy after copping the blow © Getty

Following the incident, Pant was immediately taken to a local hospital for scans. The Indian medical team is closely monitoring his condition. Sai Sudharsan, who was at the non-striker's end when the injury occurred, commented, "He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they've gone for scans. We'll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow."

Sudharsan acknowledged the potential impact of Pant's absence, stating, "Obviously (it will be a big miss if he's ruled out), because he was batting really well today as well. Plus, we'll miss a batter if he doesn't come back again. So, it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. So, we'll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well." Sudharsan himself contributed a valuable 61 runs and shared a 72-run partnership with Pant.

The injury occurred when Pant attempted a reverse-sweep and was hit on the side of his right boot by a full delivery. While England appealed for an LBW and even reviewed the decision, replays confirmed that Pant had managed an inside edge.

Even before the replays were shown, Pant was visibly in discomfort, removing his gloves and hobbling while awaiting medical attention. The umpires called for a drinks break as the physio attended to Pant, removing his pads, socks, and boot. Visuals showed a spot of blood and swelling on the outside of his right foot.

Due to the significant pain and his inability to put weight on the injured foot, the team signaled for a replacement batter and a buggy to transport him off the field.

This injury adds to India's growing list of concerns this week. Seamers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (finger) were previously ruled out of the Test, leading to a squad call-up and a debut for Anshul Kamboj. Pant himself was recently recovering from a finger injury sustained at Lord's, which had prevented him from keeping wickets.

Pant retired hurt with a score of 37 off 48 balls. At that point, India stood at 212 for 3 after being put in to bat on the first day. England currently leads the series 2-1. The day concluded with India at 264/4.