Manchester, England – India's promising start against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford suffered a significant blow when Rishabh Pant sustained a foot injury on the opening day. The incident occurred in the 68th over of India's innings, with the score at 212 for 3, after India were put in to bat.

Pant, who was looking aggressive, attempted a reverse sweep off a full delivery from Chris Woakes. The ball struck him on his right foot, and he immediately showed signs of extreme discomfort. Replays showed that the ball had made contact with his boot. Although a faint under-edge was detected upon review, saving him from an LBW decision, the primary concern quickly shifted to the extent of the injury.

The team physio rushed onto the field to assess Pant, who was visibly in pain and unable to put weight on his foot. A spot of blood and swelling were evident on the outside of his right foot. Due to the severity of the injury, Pant had to be taken off the field in a buggy. He was retired hurt with a score of 37 off 48 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja came in to replace him. Pant was subsequently taken to the hospital for scans.

This injury compounds India's worries, as Pant had also sustained a finger injury during the previous Test at Lord's, which prevented him from keeping wickets in England's second innings.

Before the injury, India had a decent start to the day, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) building a 94-run partnership for the opening wicket. Sai Sudharsan, playing in place of Karun Nair, also contributed with a well-composed 61. However, England managed to claw their way back into the game by dismissing both openers and Shubman Gill (12). Pant and Sudharsan then steadied the innings with a 74-run partnership before Pant's injury. Following Pant's departure and shortly after, Sudharsan was dismissed as well. At the end of the day's play, India stood at 264 for 4, with Ravindra Jadeja (19) and Shardul Thakur (19) at the crease. Play was called early due to poor light.

The extent of Pant's injury remains a major concern for India. If he is unable to continue in the match, India will be a batter short and will have to rely on a substitute wicketkeeper. The team is already trailing 2-1 in the series and needs a victory to level the series.

The incident has sparked debate about Pant's shot selection, with some questioning the need to attempt a reverse sweep in that situation. Others have pointed out that the slow, dry pitch was negating some of the seam movement, making it conducive to such shots.