Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant suffered a significant right foot injury during the Old Trafford Test, with cricket experts Ricky Ponting and Michael Atherton suggesting it could be a series-ending blow.
An Unfortunate Incident on Day 1
The incident unfolded on Day 1 of the Old Trafford Test between India and England. Rishabh Pant was at the crease, attempting an audacious reverse sweep against seamer Chris Woakes.
Unfortunately, he missed the ball entirely, which struck his right boot with considerable force. Pant immediately collapsed, wincing and grimacing in pain as the physio rushed onto the field.
His foot quickly swelled, showing a visible cut, and he was eventually taken off the ground in the medical team’s cart, a concerning sight for the Indian squad and supporters.
Ponting’s Serious Concerns
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, observing the situation on Sky Sports, expressed significant concern over Pant’s condition. Ponting, who has personally experienced a similar injury, highlighted the delicate nature of the bones in the foot.
“He hardly put his foot on the ground. The immediate swelling was the worry for me,” Ponting stated. “I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones. The fact he couldn’t put any weight on it, it doesn’t look good at all.”
A Potential Series Blow, Says Atherton
Michael Atherton echoed Ponting’s worries, emphasizing the substantial impact this injury could have on the ongoing series. He suggested that if Pant is indeed sidelined, it would be a “massive blow” for the Indian team.
“If he is out of the game…if he’s out of the series, then that’s a massive blow to India and puts the day in a different light,” Atherton explained. He added that Pant’s absence would shift the balance, potentially making India’s total of 264 for four at stumps appear more vulnerable.
Atherton acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the injury but reiterated that being carted off the field points to a very serious issue.
BCCI Confirms Scans and Monitoring
Following the incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update. They confirmed that Rishabh Pant was taken for scans directly from the stadium to assess the extent of the injury.
The BCCI Medical Team is now closely monitoring his progress. This leaves the team and fans anxiously awaiting further news on his availability for the rest of the match and the series.
Who Steps In?
Should Rishabh Pant be unable to continue his duties, Dhruv Jurel is the most likely candidate to step in as the substitute wicket-keeper. Jurel has previously taken on this role, notably during the Lord’s Test when Pant sustained a thumb injury.
- Rishabh Pant suffered a right foot injury after missing a reverse sweep during the Old Trafford Test.
- Cricket experts Ricky Ponting and Michael Atherton believe the injury could be series-ending due to severe swelling and his inability to bear weight.
- Pant was taken for scans, and the BCCI medical team is currently monitoring his condition.
- Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over wicket-keeping duties if Pant is ruled out for an extended period.
