Rishabh Pant's Injury Video Raises New Questions: What's Next for Team India's Strategy?

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, after suffering a painful blow to his right foot. The incident occurred on 23 July 2025 during the second session when Pant, batting on 37, attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes.

The ball ricocheted off his bat and struck his foot directly, prompting immediate concern as he fell to the ground grimacing in pain. He was later escorted off the field on a medical cart and sent for scans. The injury video quickly went viral, raising new questions about the severity of the incident and its potential impact on Team India's game plan.

Rishabh Pant's Injury Video: Viral Clip Shows Severity of Foot Injury in England Test

Footage of the incident shows Pant wincing and clutching his foot moments after the strike, with visible swelling and traces of blood in his shoe. The medical team responded immediately, and he was taken off the field without placing weight on his injured leg. The video has since circulated widely across social media and news outlets, prompting speculation from cricket analysts and former players. As reported by BBC, Pant had to retire hurt after attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and suffering a full-toss strike to his right foot.

Ricky Ponting, meanwhile, noted the rapid swelling as a sign of a potential metatarsal or toe fracture. Commentator Neil Manthorp added that the nature of the reaction was 'concerning', as Pant typically has a high tolerance for pain. As reported by Sports NDTV, the immediate swelling raised concerns of a possible fracture, which has fuelled further debate on whether the injury could rule Pant out for the rest of the Test.

Rishabh Pant Update: BCCI Confirms Scans After Manchester Test Injury

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a brief medical update confirming that Pant had been taken for scans and was under observation, according to ESPN Cricinfo. No definitive diagnosis has yet been made public, but concerns are growing over the possibility of a fracture. According to teammate Sai Sudharsan, who was batting alongside Pant at the time, the keeper-batter was 'in a lot of pain' and the medical staff were treating the situation seriously.

Pant's injury comes just weeks after he returned to full fitness following a long rehabilitation from a serious car crash in 2022. Prior to this incident, he had also been managing a finger injury sustained in the third Test at Lord's.

Team India Strategy Shift: Pant's Injury Forces Rethink Ahead of England Clash

With India trailing 2–1 in the five-match Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, the fourth Test in Manchester is a must-win. Pant's injury has disrupted team plans, given his dual role as middle-order batter and wicketkeeper.

Dhruv Jurel is expected to keep wicket, as he did in the previous Test. If Pant is ruled out entirely, India may need to adjust their balance, possibly promoting Ravindra Jadeja or calling in Ishan Kishan if permitted.

India ended Day 1 at 264 for 4, with Pant's retirement adding pressure. He has scored over 300 runs this series at an average above 80, and recently became the first visiting wicketkeeper to reach 1,000 Test runs in England. As scan results are awaited, India face a key strategic decision.