Follow UsIndia’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant walked out to bat to a rousing reception from the Manchester crowd on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England on July 24 (Thursday) - a moment that was heartwarming and courageous.
Pant had suffered a painful blow to his right toe on Day 1, struck flush on the foot by a full delivery from Chris Woakes while attempting a reverse sweep. He was batting fluently on 37 when the incident occurred and had to retire hurt, visibly in agony as he was escorted off the field.
Later scans confirmed that Pant had sustained a fractured toe, ruling him out for at least six weeks, effectively ending his participation in the ongoing series. The injury came at an especially unfortunate time for the left-hander, who has been brilliant with the bat in this series.
Dhruv Jurel will once again keep wickets - a role he fulfilled in the previous Test as well after Pant sustained a finger injury. N Jagadeesan from Tamil Nadu is likely to be added to the squad for the fifth and final Test.
Pant’s unexpected return to the crease came after Shardul Thakur fell to Ben Stokes, with India at 314/6. Despite the injury, Pant resumed his innings and even managed to add two more runs before rain forced an early lunch.