India's Test campaign in England has suffered a severe setback, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant being ruled out for six weeks due to a fractured toe. The injury occurred on the first day of the fourth Test in Manchester, compounding an already serious injury crisis for the visiting team. Ishan Kishan is set to be added to the squad for the final Test.
The incident happened in the 68th over of India's innings. While batting on 37, Pant attempted a reverse sweep against seamer Chris Woakes. He missed the shot, and the ball deflected off an inside edge onto his right foot. The impact was immediate and severe, leaving Pant in considerable pain and unable to continue his innings. He was eventually helped off the field, with scans later confirming a fracture.
The injury effectively reduces India to ten players for the remainder of the crucial Manchester Test. While the medical team explored the possibility of him batting with a painkiller if required, BCCI sources have indicated that the chances are extremely slim. His absence is a significant blow, turning India's overnight score of 264 for four into a more vulnerable 264 for five. With the second new ball due today; England has a prime opportunity to quickly run through the Indian lower order.
Pant's mandatory six-week rest period means he will play no further part in the tour, including the final Test at The Oval. His absence creates a major void in the middle order, depriving India of a dynamic, game-changing player. This latest injury adds to a growing list of sidelined players, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, putting immense pressure on the team's depth as they fight to save the series.
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