India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered a painful setback on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, placing doubt over his ability to continue as both keeper and batter.

Pant came to the crease after Shubman Gill fell, building his innings to 37 runs off 48 balls. Attempting an audacious reverse sweep, he was struck flush on the foot by a full delivery from Chris Woakes.

The force of the blow caused swelling and bleeding, rendering him unable to walk off the field unaided. An electric buggy was brought onto the field to ferry him off amidst empathetic applause from the crowd.

Rishabh Pant is driven off the field of play after suffering some severe swelling on his right foot and Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle... 🩹 pic.twitter.com/vJlu5CABQ8

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025

This incident has further complicated India’s keeper situation. Pant was already carrying a finger injury from the Lord’s Test, having relinquished wicketkeeping duties due to a finger blow, though he still batted pain‑free.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that while Pant would bat in Manchester, his ability to keep wickets remained uncertain. Even India captain Shubman Gill reiterated that, pending scan results and recovery, Pant was expected to be part of the team—even if limited to batting.

Rishabh Pant’s injury adds to India’s mounting fitness challenges. For a side trailing 2–1 and desperate to level the series, losing a keeper-batsman of his calibre could prove costly.

Pant's aggressive batting provides momentum and his absence behind the stumps leaves a significant void. India now risk being left with Dhruv Jurel or even requiring a non-specialist to don the gloves.

Rishabh Pant is scheduled for scans and medical evaluation, with recovery still in progress. If his foot injury is severe, India may choose to rest him entirely or utilize him solely as a batter. The team must also consider the substitution of a backup keeper—a decision complicated yet critical.

Pant's aggressive batting provides momentum and his absence behind the stumps leaves a significant void. India now risk being left with Dhruv Jurel or even requiring a non-specialist to don the gloves.

Rishabh Pant is scheduled for scans and medical evaluation, with recovery still in progress. If his foot injury is severe, India may choose to rest him entirely or utilize him solely as a batter. The team must also consider the substitution of a backup keeper—a decision complicated yet critical.