Sanjiv Goenka issues official statement on Rishabh Pant's future after continuous injuries

Team India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant injured his foot while batting on the opening day (Wednesday, July 23) of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka shared a message for the star cricketer ahead of the second day's play.

Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field on Day 1 after suffering an injury. He attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and was struck on his right toe by the delivery during the third session. The wicketkeeper-batter, who had scored 37 off 48 balls, was visibly in pain and could not continue.

Rishabh Pant Leaves Field in Golf Cart After Foot Injury

Rishabh Pant was in visible discomfort after being hit on the toe and had to be taken off the field in a golf cart. His fitness is crucial for India, as he has been in exceptional form, scoring 462 runs in seven innings at an average of 77. Notably, he is the second-highest run-scorer of the series, behind Shubman Gill.

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India ended the opening day at 264/4, with half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58). England captain Ben Stokes picked up two wickets. At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (19) and Shardul Thakur (19) were unbeaten at the crease.

If Pant is ruled out of the match due to the injury, Dhruv Jurel can take over the wicketkeeping duties, but he won’t be permitted to bat in the match.

Wishing You a Speedy Recovery, Rishabh Pant - Sanjiv Goenka

Ahead of the second day, Sanjiv Goenka encouraged Rishabh Pant following his injury. Goenka praised the wicketkeeper-batter for his resilience, calling him a “fighter”. He wished Pant a quick recovery from the injury and expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back stronger.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Rishabh. You’re a fighter, and we know you’ll come back stronger,” Sanjiv Goenka wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Rishabh. You’re a fighter, and we know you’ll come back stronger. pic.twitter.com/ykqkOTd2uQ

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 24, 2025

It is worth mentioning that Rishabh Pant had hurt his finger while keeping wickets during the first innings of the third Test. With the 27-year-old being one of India's top batters on the tour, the team will be hoping his latest setback isn’t a serious one.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan Smash Half-Centuries on Day 1

India got off to a solid start on Day 1 of their must-win Test as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul added a 94-run stand. However, both batters fell short of big scores. Jaiswal made 58, while Rahul was dismissed for 46 off 98 balls.

England bounced back after the opening partnership, picking up wickets at regular intervals during the second and third sessions. Captain Shubman Gill was dismissed cheaply, but Sai Sudharsan added 61 off 151 balls before being dismissed. Pant chipped in with 37 before retiring hurt.

It is worth mentioning that the Shubman Gill-led side is trailing in the five-match series, making the ongoing Test a do-or-die clash. India must win this match to keep the series alive.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir attacked by recently retired Indian player for partiality