ENG vs IND 2025: Rishabh Pant arrives at Old Trafford on crutches

Published - 27 Jul 2025, 19:33 IST | Updated - 27 Jul 2025, 19:37 IST

Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant was seen walking into the media area at Old Trafford, Manchester, on crutches and wearing a moon boot, indicating the severity of the injury he sustained during the fourth Test against England. The wicketkeeper-batter was injured on Day 1 and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Pant’s injury occurred in unfortunate fashion during India’s first innings when he attempted a reverse scoop off Chris Woakes. The ball struck his right foot, leaving him in visible pain. He was immediately taken off the field for medical evaluation. After a thorough assessment, doctors advised Pant to rest for six to eight weeks, effectively ending his participation in the five-match Test series.

Despite the injury, Pant returned to bat on Day 2, hobbling to the crease. He notched up a fighting half-century before falling to Jofra Archer. His courageous knock played a crucial role in helping India post a respectable total of 358 in the first innings. With Pant unable to take the field thereafter, Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match.

Now, with the series on the line, Pant has been spotted back at the ground in significant pain. While his participation with the bat seems unlikely, he remains available if a desperate situation arises for Team India.

As for the match itself, India are battling hard to stay alive in the series. Trailing 1-2 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the visitors are looking to draw this Test and push the contest to a decisive final game at The Oval. However, England hold the advantage heading into Day 5, with India needing to survive the day without losing wickets.

India's second innings began disastrously,aa they lost two wickets in the opening over. However, KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill staged a brilliant recovery, stitching a vital 188-run partnership off 417 balls. Rahul fell agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 90, while Gill brought up a well-deserved 103.

On the final day, England will aim to bowl India out and clinch the series in front of their home crowd. India, meanwhile, will need immense composure to deny the hosts a series win and keep their hopes alive.