ENG vs IND 2025: 'This game needs Pant...' - English commentators wish Rishabh Pant to return in Manchester Test

English cricket pundits Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad have expressed their concern and hope for a quick recovery for Rishabh Pant, following his injury during the Manchester Test. Pant, who had been batting fluently, suffered a painful blow in the 68th over while attempting a reverse sweep. The ball took an under-edge and struck just above his right toe. Clearly in agony, Pant was unable to put weight on his foot and had to be carried off the field in an ambulance. The incident left Indian fans and commentators alike anxious about his condition.

Pant was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he awaited the results of scans scheduled for Wednesday, July 23. While the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, early suspicion points to a possible toe fracture. However, Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad, speaking on Sky Sports, remained hopeful that it was just a bad bruise. Both wished for Pant’s return to action on Day 2, acknowledging the significant role the wicketkeeper-batter plays in India's batting lineup during this crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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“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. Both sets of fans cheered him today when he came out to bat," Hussain said on Sky Sports at the end of the day's play.

Pant has been wonderful to watch and commentate on: Stuart Broad

Rishabh Pant showcased a brilliant display of batting during the second session of the fourth Test on Wednesday in Manchester. Coming in after captain Shubman Gill's dismissal, Pant faced a challenging period and successfully forged a vital 72-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan across the second and third sessions. His attacking approach against England’s seamers saw him play several exquisite strokes, adding crucial momentum to India’s innings. Former England pacer Stuart Broad praised Pant’s efforts and expressed hope that the Indian medical staff could get him ready to return for Day 2 of the Test match.

"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," Broad added.