Rishabh Pant’s Painful Exit Overshadows India’s Gritty Start in Manchester Test
Rishabh Pant’s Painful Exit Overshadows India’s Gritty Start in Manchester Test
Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja stay unbeaten for India at the end of Day 1 in the fourth of the five-match Test series at Manchester as India close the day at 264/4. Sai Sudharsan was the top scorer for India with 61 runs.
Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster of emotions for Indian fans. While the visitors put up a solid batting display, the sight of Rishabh Pant being carted off the field after a painful foot injury cast a shadow over their efforts.
India, trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, were put into bat under gloomy Manchester skies. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a steady start, weathering England’s early swing and seam to post a 94-run stand. Jaiswal looked fluent with his 58, while Rahul contributed a composed 46 before both fell in quick succession.
Captain Shubman Gill couldn’t make an impact, falling LBW to Ben Stokes for 12. But just when England seemed to be clawing back, Rishabh Pant walked in and flipped the momentum. In typical fashion, he launched into a counter attack sweeping, reversing, and even slogging a six off Brydon Carse. His 37 off 48 balls was chaotic, thrilling, and exactly what India needed.
Then came the turning point. Attempting a reverse sweep to a yorker from Chris Woakes, Pant inside-edged the ball onto his right foot. He winced, hobbled, and eventually had to be stretchered off in a medical cart. The swelling was immediate, and the pain visible. With scans pending, his participation in the rest of the match and possibly the series hangs in the balance.
Sai Sudharsan, playing only his second Test, showed maturity beyond his years. He anchored the innings with a gritty 61, even as wickets fell around him. His partnership with Pant added 72 crucial runs, and he continued to hold firm until Stokes got him with a short ball late in the day.
By stumps, India were 264 for 4, with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur unbeaten on 19 each. The pitch remained slow, and England’s bowlers especially Stokes and Woakes kept things tight without letting India run away with the game.
But the real highlight of the day wasn’t just the scoreline. It was Pant’s injury, the silence that followed, and the uncertainty it brings. For a player who’s been central to India’s fight in this series, his absence could be a game-changer.