India\u2019s hopes of staying alive in the gripping Test series against England have been dealt a potential blow after star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a painful foot injury on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.<\/p>
Pant, who has been India's standout performer in this high-stakes series, was struck on the right foot by an 80mph delivery from England seamer Chris Woakes while attempting an audacious reverse sweep. The 27-year-old, visibly in pain and nursing a large lump on the side of his foot, was carted off the field for medical attention and subsequently taken for scans.<\/p>
Sai Sudharsan, who was at the crease with Pant during the incident, noted the severity of the situation: \u201cHe was in a lot of pain, definitely. We\u2019re waiting for the scan results which should come overnight.\u201d<\/p>
The timing couldn\u2019t be worse for India, who must avoid defeat in Manchester to keep the five-match series alive. Pant has been instrumental, scoring back-to-back centuries in the series opener and following up with half-centuries in both the second and third Tests. His aggregate of 366 runs across three Tests is the highest by an Indian batter in the series so far.<\/p>
At the time of the injury, Pant was batting fluently on 37 and had built a 91-run stand with Sudharsan, who himself contributed 61 before being dismissed. India ended the day at a promising 264-4, but the looming uncertainty over Pant\u2019s availability has cast a shadow over their prospects.<\/p>
England\u2019s Liam Dawson, making a return to Test cricket after eight years, expressed concern: \u201cThat didn\u2019t look great. He\u2019s such a dangerous player. Honestly, I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll take further part in the game.\u201d<\/p>
This isn\u2019t Pant\u2019s first setback this series\u2014he also suffered a finger injury at Lord\u2019s during the third Test, which prevented him from keeping wicket. If ruled out, Dhruv Jurel could step in behind the stumps, though ICC regulations prohibit him from replacing Pant as a batter.<\/p>
Former England captain Michael Vaughan summed up the situation\u2019s gravity: \u201cThat\u2019s a massive moment in the series. Pant was playing with both aggression and composure. If he\u2019s out, India are essentially playing with 10 men.\u201d<\/p>
As India await scan results, the tension rises\u2014not just in the dressing room, but across a series that has already delivered edge-of-the-seat drama.<\/p>
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