MANCHESTER [UK]: A worrying silence fell over the Indian camp on Day 1 of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Old Trafford, Manchester, as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after sustaining a painful injury to his right foot. The incident occurred when Pant, batting confidently on 37, was struck hard by a delivery from England’s Chris Woakes.
Pant was in visible discomfort immediately after the impact, with significant swelling and some bleeding on his foot, making it difficult for him to stand. His sudden exit raised concerns among fans and teammates, particularly given his recent form.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Sai Sudarshan, who scored a maiden Test half-century, provided an update on Pant’s condition. “He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they’ve gone for scans. We’ll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow,” Sudarshan said.
The young batter also admitted that Pant’s potential absence could significantly impact India’s performance going forward in the Test. “Obviously, because he was batting really well today as well. Plus, we’ll miss a batter if he doesn’t come back again. So, it will definitely have consequences,” he added, highlighting the importance of Pant’s role in the team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued a brief statement on its official X handle, confirming the injury and the ongoing medical assessment. “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.”
Earlier in the day, half-centuries from left-hand batters Sai Sudarshan (61 runs off 151 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 runs) had helped India reach a total of 264/4 at the close of play. At stumps on Day 1, India were 264/4 in 83 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) forming an unbeaten partnership of 29 runs.
The Shubman Gill-led side had started the final session from 149/3 in 52 overs, with Sai Sudarshan (26*) and Rishabh Pant (3*) at the crease. India crossed the 150-run mark in the 53rd over and surpassed the 200-run mark in the 65th over.
Pant’s injury ocAt the score of 212, a sharp delivery from Chris Woakes struck Pant’s right foot. The physio rushed in, and a motorized vehicle was used to take him off the field due to his evident pain. Ravindra Jadeja came out to bat in his place.
Sai Sudarshan completed his maiden Test fifty in the 69th over. India lost their fourth wicket in the 74th over when Ben Stokes dismissed Sudarshan. Shardul Thakur then joined Jadeja, and the pair saw India through to the end of the day’s play.
For England, all-rounder Ben Stokes snapped two wickets for 47 runs, while Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson bagged one wicket each.
Earlier, England had won the toss and elected to field first. Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a solid start, navigating the early overs. KL Rahul also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fifth Indian batter to complete 1,000 runs in Tests in England, joining the ranks of Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. India ended the first session without losing a wicket.
Brief Score: India 264/4 (Sai Sudarshan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58; Ben Stokes 2/47) vs England.