You know that sinking feeling when you’re watching a match, and everything’s going well, and then suddenly — boom — something unexpected happens? That’s exactly what fans felt on Day 1 of the India vs. England 4th Test at Old Trafford. Just when India was cruising nicely, Rishabh Pant got injured, and honestly, it was the kind of moment that leaves you holding your breath.
Pant was batting with his usual flair, on 37 runs, looking solid. And then out of nowhere, he tried a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, misjudged it, and got smashed right on his right foot. Ouch. He immediately fell down, clutching his leg, and you could see it on his face — he was in serious pain. The physio came in, but it was clear Pant couldn’t continue. A few minutes later, we saw the dreaded sight — Pant being taken off in a stretcher buggy. That’s when it hit everyone: this was bad.
And just like that, what felt like a good day for India suddenly became heavy. Social media blew up, and every cricket page and fan group started buzzing with one big question: how serious is the injury? The BCCI later said he was taken for scans and is being checked by the medical team, but the worry is that it might be a metatarsal fracture. If that’s true, he’s probably out of the match — maybe even the series.
This is especially hard to watch because, let’s not forget, Pant just made a comeback this year after that terrible car accident in 2022. He worked his heart out, went through painful recovery and rehab, and finally returned to doing what he loves. And now, just a few months into his comeback, he’s hit with another setback. Life’s just unfair sometimes, isn’t it?
In terms of the game, this is a big blow for India. We’re already down 2–1 in the series, and this was our chance to bounce back. Pant is one of those players who can turn a match around on his own. He brings energy, confidence, and a little madness (the good kind) to the field. Without him, not only do we lose a solid batter, but also that spark he brings behind the stumps and in the dressing room. Replacing him won’t be easy.
There’s talk that Dhruv Jurel might take over wicketkeeping duties if Pant is out. But let’s be honest — Pant is Pant. You can’t just replace that X-factor. The rest of the batting line-up will have to step up now, and the team’s morale might take a hit. It’s going to be a test of not just skills but also of character.
The injury has become the biggest talking point in the latest cricket news. Every daily news update is covering it, from sports channels to newspapers to fan pages. Cricket legends like Ravi Shastri and Michael Atherton are worried too. Atherton even said, “You don’t get carted off unless it’s serious,” and well, he’s right. We’re all just hoping the scans bring some good news.
What’s even more heartbreaking is that Pant was starting to look like his old self again. He was playing freely, moving well, smiling between deliveries. And now, we’re back in uncertainty. It’s tough not just for him, but for all of us who’ve followed his journey closely. As fans, we’ve laughed with his on-field banter, cheered for his gutsy knocks, and respected his fight back to fitness. This just feels like a punch to the gut.
That said, the Test match isn’t over yet. India is still in a decent position, and there’s a long way to go. But yeah, the road just got a little steeper without Pant. We’ll know more once the medical reports are out — maybe later today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as it looked.
Till then, all we can do is send love and strength his way. If anyone can bounce back from this, it’s Rishabh Pant. He’s done it once. He can do it again. And when he does, it’s going to be one hell of a comeback — again.
Get well soon, Pant. The team needs you. We need you. Cricket isn’t the same without you.
“Not Again!” – Rishabh Pant Gets Injured, Big Blow for India in 4th Test
