India’s hopes of building a strong first-innings total took a major hit late on Day 1 at Manchester when star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after a painful blow to his right foot. The injury occurred when Pant, batting fluently on 37 off 48 balls, inside-edged a Chris Woakes delivery while attempting a reverse sweep. The ball hit him right on the metatarsal, and it was obvious he was in pain.

Pant first tried to get up, but ultimately collapsed on the ground in blatant pain. After some minutes of on-field treatment, he was wheeled off the field in a medical cart. Later, the BCCI confirmed that Pant had been taken to a nearby hospital for scans, and while he's under medical supervision, no official word has been given about the severity of the injury. The swelling and bleeding visible on his foot, however, suggest the damage might be significant.

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:

Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.

He was taken for scans from the stadium.

The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025

🚨 RISHABH PANT ADVISED FOR 6 WEEK REST 🚨

- Medical team is checking if Pant can bat after taking a pain-killer if need be but chances are slim. [Devendra Pandey from Express Sports]

Ishan Kishan set to be added to the squad for the 5th Test. pic.twitter.com/hDVbtJzLLj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 24, 2025

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Pant's Injury a Major Blow to India’s Plans as Lower Order Faces New Ball Test

As of now, it looks highly unlikely that Pant will bat on Day 2. Unlike his earlier hand injury at Lord’s, which he managed to play through, a foot injury of this nature severely restricts mobility, something critical for a batter like Pant who relies heavily on footwork and running between the wickets. Reports indicate he may not even be able to wear his shoe for the next few days.

This presents a serious setback for India. Pant was looking in sublime touch and had stitched a vital 72-run partnership with debutant Sai Sudharsan before retiring hurt. With India set to resume at 264/4 and England expected to take the second new ball right away, the absence of Pant at the crease could expose the lower order to the fresh cherry. Unless a crisis demands his presence later in the innings, Pant is unlikely to walk out to bat again in the first innings and possibly not at all in this match.