‘Injured’ Rishabh Pant to be forced to bat? Keeper-batter joins India in Manchester on crutches

Rishabh Pant made a return to the Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England, but it wasn’t the comeback the Indian cricket fans were hoping for.

The star wicketkeeper-batter had picked up a serious foot injury on Day 1, and he had to be taken off the field on a medical cart. Pant’s latest injury left India to battle on without one of their most explosive match-winners, as he has already been ruled out for six weeks.

Rishabh Pant returns on crutches as India lose an early wicket on Day 2

Well, Rishabh Pant arrived at the stadium on crutches, wearing a protective boot on his injured leg, leaving fans heartbroken as India had already lost its first wicket on Day 2 in Manchester.

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Rishabh Pant joins the Indian team at Old Trafford wearing a protective boot and on crutches. Wish @RishabhPant17 a speedy recovery.

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) July 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant has arrived at Old Trafford cricket ground

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) July 24, 2025

Meanwhile, Pant has been ruled out of the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester and the rest of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Scans have confirmed that the left-handed batter has a fracture in his right toe, and doctors have advised him to rest for at least six weeks.

Read Also: Dhruv Jurel or Ishan Kishan? Rishabh Pant's replacement finalized for the fifth Test against England

Rishabh Pant wanted to bat through the pain, but BCCI Doctors say no

This injury comes at a crucial time for India, who are already trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series. With Pant out, Dhruv Jurel is all set to step up again to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities. His absence is a big loss for the team as they look to bounce back and stay alive in the Test series.

As reported by News18, Pant was keen to continue batting despite the pain in the ongoing Manchester Test, just like Anil Kumble’s famous effort with a broken jaw years ago. But the BCCI and team doctors decided not to take the risk.

Rishabh Pant’s injury worse than expected?

On the other hand, Pant is currently being monitored for a possible metatarsal fracture in his foot. The Indian vice-captain sustained the injury when he tried to play a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes but missed the shot, and the ball hit his foot hard instead.

Read Also: Dinesh Karthik DESTROYS Nasser Hussain after he laughs off Shubman Gill’s ‘90-seconds late’ critique

Metatarsals are the five long bones in each foot that connect the ankle to the toes. They play a key role in walking, running, and absorbing pressure with every step. When one of these bones breaks or cracks, it is called a metatarsal fracture. This kind of injury is often seen in athletes.

What is metatarsal fracture?

A metatarsal fracture can happen in two main ways. One type is a traumatic or acute fracture, which happens from a sudden injury like landing awkwardly or getting hit directly on the foot. The other type is a stress fracture, which is a small crack that develops over time due to repeated pressure or overuse, especially in people who run or play sports regularly.

As a metatarsal fracture can be quite painful and usually needs proper rest and medical care for healing, it remains to be seen in which category Pant’s injury falls, as the BCCI sources only revealed the fracture that ruled him out of the action for six weeks.