Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester

Manchester, Jul 24: Team India suffered a significant setback in the ongoing fourth Test against England as star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the match after sustaining a toe fracture on Day 1.

Pant had to retire hurt on 37 after being struck on the right foot by a Chris Woakes delivery late in the final session. Subsequent scans confirmed a toe fracture, and the left-hander has been advised six weeks of rest, effectively ending his participation in the series.

With the final Test at The Oval approaching, Ishan Kishan is now expected to be flown in as a backup wicketkeeper for the remainder of the tour.

The injury occurred in the 68th over of India’s innings when Pant misjudged a reverse sweep against Woakes. The ball took an inside edge and slammed into his right toe. Within minutes, a large swelling developed on the foot—described as “the size of a table tennis ball”—and Pant was visibly in agony, bleeding and unable to stand unaided.

Medical staff immediately rushed in, and he was helped off the field on a buggy, bringing an abrupt end to his promising knock of 37 off 48 balls, which included a vital 72-run partnership with debutant B. Sai Sudharsan.

Speaking to the press after stumps, Sudharsan confirmed the seriousness of the blow. “It was quite a heavy hit. He was clearly in a lot of pain. Scans were done, and we’ll get a clearer picture tomorrow,” he said. “He was batting really well, so it’s a big loss. But we have depth in the lineup, and the team will try to cover for that as best as we can.”

India ended Day 1 at 264/4 with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur unbeaten on 19 apiece. While Pant’s absence leaves a sizeable void, team management will be hoping the middle order and all-rounders can carry the innings forward in his absence.

With Pant out, India’s strategy and wicketkeeping plans for the rest of the series now hinge on the timely arrival and readiness of Ishan Kishan.