Rishabh Pant has been taken to hospital for scans after suffering a painful blow to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, confirmed Sai Sudharsan at the end-of-day press conference.
“Oh, he was in a lot of pain and he’s now at the hospital taking scans,” Sudharsan said. “We’ll know about the update probably soon. If he’s not coming back in this match it’s obviously a blow, but the other batters are also ready to do their part.”
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Pant was visibly in distress as he collapsed to the ground after being struck. The swelling was immediate and severe, and the physio had to assist him off the field as he hobbled heavily, unable to stand on his own. India could well be effectively five down if Pant does not return to bat, altering the complexion of the Test going forward.
England too were well aware of the potential impact of the Pant injury. At the post-play press conference, Liam Dawson said: “Hopefully, it’s not that serious, but I don’t think he’s taking part in this match any more.”
Until that moment, India had fought hard on a lively surface after England chose to bowl. A wicketless first session saw openers Jaiswal and Rahul stitch a 94-run stand before Ben Stokes sparked a post-lunch comeback. Sudharsan, despite an early reprieve, batted with maturity to bring up his maiden Test fifty. His 72-run partnership with Pant had looked promising before the unfortunate injury broke the momentum.
With the series on a knife’s edge, the extent of Pant’s injury could have a significant bearing on India’s fortunes in Manchester.
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