Cricket World Holds Breath as Pant Suffers Devastating Blow
The cricket world was left stunned on July 23, 2025, when India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered a potentially career-threatening injury during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The incident occurred in the 68th over of India’s innings when Pant, batting fluently on 37 off 48 deliveries, attempted a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes.
What followed was a scene that left both sets of fans in shocked silence – Pant immediately collapsed in agony, unable to put weight on his right foot, with visible swelling and bleeding prompting immediate medical attention.
The severity of the injury has prompted former England captains and cricket legends to express serious concerns about both the match situation and Pant’s long-term fitness.
The Injury Incident: A Moment That Changed Everything
What Exactly Happened?
The injury occurred when Pant attempted to execute one of his trademark reverse sweeps against Chris Woakes’ yorker-length delivery.
Instead of making clean contact, Pant inside-edged the ball directly onto his right foot, causing immediate and severe pain.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Over Number | 68th over of India’s innings |
| Bowler | Chris Woakes (England) |
| Shot Attempted | Reverse sweep |
| Pant’s Score | 37 runs off 48 balls |
| Contact Type | Inside edge onto right foot |
| Immediate Symptoms | Severe swelling, bleeding, inability to stand |
Medical Response and Evacuation
The severity of Pant’s reaction immediately alerted the medical staff. India’s physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar rushed onto the field, but Pant’s inability to bear any weight on his foot necessitated emergency evacuation.
A golf-style medical cart was summoned to transport him off the field, marking one of the most concerning injury scenes in recent cricket history.
Former England Captains’ Reactions: “You Don’t Get Carted Off Otherwise”
Michael Atherton’s Grave Concerns
Former England captain Michael Atherton delivered perhaps the most sobering assessment of Pant’s injury, emphasizing its potential severity and impact on the match. Speaking to Sky Cricket at stumps, Atherton stated:
“If he is out of the game…if he’s out of the series, then that’s a massive blow to India and puts the day in a different light. That 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with that new ball due, there is a potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow.
But if he returns to bat, he could change the game. It looked like a quite serious injury, because you don’t get carted off otherwise”.
Nasser Hussain’s Emotional Response
Former England captain Nasser Hussain also expressed genuine concern for Pant’s wellbeing, transcending traditional team rivalries1. Hussain emphasized the importance of Pant to world cricket, stating:
“It has been India’s day – except for the injury to Pant. That is a big blow and it will be interesting what we hear overnight about that. Hopefully he is okay. This game needs Pant and the series has been blessed by having him in it”.
Stuart Broad’s Commentary Perspective
Recently-retired England paceman Stuart Broad, now working as a commentator, highlighted Pant’s significance to the global game:
“Pant has been wonderful to watch and commentate on. He’s wonderful for world cricket, and we hope he recovers. The medical staff will be icing that swelling all night, and hopefully it’s just a bruise and he can come out to bat”.
Medical Expert Analysis: Fears of Metatarsal Fracture
Ricky Ponting’s Professional Assessment
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has worked closely with Pant in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, provided the most technical analysis of the injury. Drawing from his own experience with similar injuries, Ponting expressed serious concerns:
“He hardly put his foot on the ground. He rolled around for six to eight minutes before the golf cart came in. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself and they’re small, fragile bones.
The fact that he couldn’t put any weight on it doesn’t look good at all”.
Ravi Shastri’s Pain Threshold Analysis
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri highlighted Pant’s exceptionally high pain tolerance, making his visible distress particularly concerning:
“He has a pain threshold that’s very high, and for him to be grimacing in pain in that fashion makes it very serious.
It can only get worse overnight. Sometimes, these things, when you get up in the morning, it’s really sore, in spite of the amount of ice”.
| Medical Concerns Identified | Expert | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Possible Metatarsal Fracture | Ricky Ponting | Cannot bear weight on foot |
| High Pain Threshold Breached | Ravi Shastri | Unusual grimacing indicates severity |
| Immediate Swelling | Multiple Experts | Concerning sign of serious injury |
| Blood Seepage | Visual Evidence | Indicates significant trauma |
England Players’ On-Field Assessment
Liam Dawson’s Honest Evaluation
England spinner Liam Dawson provided an unfiltered assessment of Pant’s condition, suggesting the injury’s severity from an opponent’s perspective:
“Dawson, speaking to reporters after stumps on Day 1, said that he doesn’t see Pant taking any further part in the match as his injury looked quite bad”.
This candid admission from an England player underscores the visible severity of Pant’s condition and the universal concern among cricket professionals.
Michael Vaughan’s Rule Change Advocacy
Former England captain Michael Vaughan went beyond expressing concern to advocate for rule changes, highlighting how Pant’s injury affects competitive balance:
“I don’t like the fact that we’ve got four days left in the game — four days of action in what has been an incredible series — where we are going to have ten versus eleven”.
Official Medical Updates and Scan Results
BCCI’s Official Statement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official update confirming the severity of the situation:
“Update: Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test. He was taken for scans from the stadium. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress”.
Hospital Transfer and Scan Process
Following initial on-ground treatment, Pant was transferred to a nearby medical facility for comprehensive scans.
The fact that hospital-level imaging was required immediately indicates the medical team’s serious concerns about potential fractures or significant soft tissue damage.
Impact Analysis: What This Means for India
Immediate Match Implications
| Scenario | Impact on India | Strategic Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Pant Returns | Maintains 264/4 position | Can potentially change game dynamics |
| Pant Ruled Out | Effectively 264/5 | Vulnerable to England’s new ball attack |
| Series Impact | Massive blow to batting depth | Affects India’s chances of series comeback |
Sai Sudharsan’s Team Assessment
India debutant Sai Sudharsan, who scored a composed 61 in his first Test innings, acknowledged the potential consequences:
“If Pant is ruled out of the series, we will definitely face severe consequences”.
Previous Injury Concerns
This marks Pant’s second injury scare in the current series, having previously bruised a finger while keeping during the third Test at Lord’s. The accumulation of injuries raises concerns about both his immediate availability and long-term fitness management.
Series Context and Broader Implications
England’s Series Position
England currently leads the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1, making this a must-win situation for India. Pant’s potential absence significantly impacts India’s batting depth and match-changing capabilities.
Historical Significance
The injury occurred during what has been described as an “incredible series”, with Pant playing a crucial role in several match-defining moments. His absence would rob the series of one of its most dynamic performers.
Expert Predictions and Recovery Timeline
Immediate Prognosis
| Injury Type | Typical Recovery Time | Cricket-Specific Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Bruising | 3-7 days | Possible return in current match |
| Metatarsal Crack | 4-6 weeks | Series-ending injury |
| Metatarsal Fracture | 8-12 weeks | Season-threatening injury |
Overnight Assessment Critical
Multiple experts emphasized that overnight assessment would be crucial. Swelling and pain often worsen in the hours following such injuries, making Thursday morning’s evaluation vital for determining Pant’s immediate future.
Fan and Media Reaction: Global Cricket Community Responds
Social Media Outpouring
The injury prompted an unprecedented outpouring of support from cricket fans worldwide, transcending traditional team loyalties. The universal respect for Pant’s entertaining style and positive approach to the game was evident in the immediate reactions.
Commentary Team’s Emotional Response
The visible emotion from commentary teams on both sides highlighted Pant’s status as a beloved figure in world cricket, with former players setting aside national allegiances to express genuine concern for his wellbeing.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond
Team India’s Contingency Planning
With Ravindra Jadeja (19) and Shardul Thakur (19)** unbeaten at stumps, India’s immediate focus shifts to maximizing their first innings total. However, Pant’s absence creates significant tactical challenges for captain Shubman Gill.
Medical Team’s Overnight Efforts
The BCCI medical team faces a critical overnight period of assessment and treatment. Their evaluation will determine not just Pant’s participation in the remainder of this Test, but potentially his involvement in the series finale.
A Moment That Transcended Cricket Rivalries
Rishabh Pant’s injury at Old Trafford represents more than just a cricket incident – it’s a moment that brought together former adversaries in genuine concern for a player whose impact transcends team boundaries.
The reactions from England legends like Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Stuart Broad demonstrate the universal respect Pant commands in world cricket.
As the cricket world awaits official medical updates, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and inherent risks in professional cricket.
Whether Pant returns to complete his innings or faces an extended period on the sidelines, his injury has already left an indelible mark on what has been a captivating Test series.
The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining not just the immediate outcome of this Manchester Test, but potentially the trajectory of one of world cricket’s most exciting talents.
