India faced a significant setback on the first day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, as Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt due to a foot injury. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, when Pant, attempting a reverse sweep off a Chris Woakes delivery, was struck on his right ankle and foot.
Pant, who was batting aggressively and had scored 37 off 48 balls, was visibly in pain. After an unsuccessful appeal for lbw, he received medical attention on the field before being taken off on a cart. Close-up images showed swelling on his foot. He was subsequently replaced by Ravindra Jadeja with India at 212-3. Following the day's play, an official statement from the Indian team confirmed that Pant was taken for scans, and his progress was being monitored by the medical team.
The injury to Pant undoubtedly hampered India's momentum, as he was building a promising partnership with Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan, playing in his first Test match, contributed a composed 61. Reflecting on Pant's injury, Sudharsan noted that Pant was in considerable pain and that the team was awaiting the scan results to determine the severity of the injury. He also acknowledged that Pant's potential absence would have consequences for the team.
Earlier in the day, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that went against the historical trend at Old Trafford. India started steadily, with openers KL Rahul (46) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) putting on a 94-run partnership, their best of the series. However, England fought back, with Liam Dawson, playing his first Test in eight years, taking the crucial wicket of Jaiswal. Stokes also contributed with the ball, taking 2-47.
Despite Pant's injury and Sudharsan's dismissal, India managed to reach stumps at 264-4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease. The day was marked by periods of dominance from both sides, leaving the Test match finely balanced. The extent of Pant's injury and his availability for the remainder of the Test series remains a major concern for India.
