Despite the setback, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 in considerable discomfort, resuming his innings on 37. Battling through visible pain, he went on to score a courageous fifty, adding crucial lower-order runs that helped India recover from early collapses
Rishabh Pant arrives on crutches (Pic: @LucknowIPL/X)
India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant arrived on crutches at Old Trafford on Day 5 of the ongoing fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. The 26-year-old, who fractured his toe on Day 1 while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes, had been taken off the field immediately and underwent scans that confirmed the extent of the injury.
Despite the setback, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 in considerable discomfort, resuming his innings on 37. Battling through visible pain, he went on to score a courageous fifty, adding crucial lower-order runs that helped India recover from early collapses.
He’s here 🥺🫡 pic.twitter.com/q6pfioS7Yh
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) July 27, 2025
With India facing a massive challenge to survive the final day and avoid a series defeat, Pant’s presence at the ground has sparked hopes that he may once again walk out to bat if the situation demands. At the end of day's play on Saturday, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed in the press conference that Pant remains available and is willing to contribute if needed, despite the discomfort.
As the tension builds, all eyes remain on Pant, whose potential return could yet play a decisive role in India’s efforts to salvage the match and keep the series alive.
Meanwhile, Day 5 began on a disappointing note for India. England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes broke the 178-run stand between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, trapping the latter leg-before with a sharp in-swinger. Rahul’s departure triggered a momentum shift just when India appeared to be settling into a steady rhythm.
Moments later, India suffered another blow as captain Shubman Gill, fresh off reaching his fourth century of the series, edged a delivery from Jofra Archer to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The right-hander had just levelled the record for most runs by a captain in a Test series in England, capping a phenomenal campaign, but his dismissal left India reeling.
At lunch, India were still trailing by 43 runs, with Washington Sundar (35* off 91) and Ravindra Jadeja (27* off 42) holding the fort. The challenge of batting through the final day without losing all ten wickets remains steep, especially after the loss of two set batters in the opening session.
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