Former England batter Michael Atherton believes Rishabh Pant’s injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test could prove to be a major setback for India. He stated that if Pant is ruled out of the remainder of the match or even the series, it would be a huge blow for the visitors. However, Atherton added that if Pant returns to bat on Day 2, he has the potential to shift the momentum of the game.
Pant sustained the injury while attempting a reverse sweep, which struck him painfully on the right foot. The impact was severe enough that he had to retire hurt and be taken off the field on a golf cart.
Before the unfortunate injury, Pant looked in great touch, scoring 37. On a gloomy, overcast day, the Indian batting lineup showed grit, ending the day on 264 for 4. Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan scored fifties but missed out on centuries as England continued to make timely breakthroughs. Still, it was Pant’s injury that emerged as the most concerning moment for India.
Looks quite a serious injury: Atherton
“If Pant is out of the game, out of the series, that’s a massive blow for India and that 264 for 4 becomes 264 for 5 with the new ball due. There’s potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow. If he comes out and bats, he could change the game again. It looks quite a serious injury. You don’t get carted off in a golf cart if it’s not serious,” Atherton told Sky Sports.
Sudharsan addressed the media after the day’s play, revealing that Pant’s injury doesn’t look good and that the full extent will only be known once the scan reports are available. The BCCI later issued a similar update.
A medical update on Day 2 will determine whether Pant can continue in the match. If he’s unable to take the gloves, India are likely to turn to Dhruv Jurel, who had kept wickets during the Lord’s Test while Pant recovered from a finger injury. Given that this is a fresh injury, India would be permitted to use a substitute wicketkeeper in Manchester. However, if Pant is unfit to bat, India will effectively be one batter short for the remainder of the Test.
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