4th Test: Pant’s injury a ‘body blow’ for India, warns Shastri
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Manchester: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has described Rishabh Pant’s foot injury during the ongoing fourth Test against England in Manchester as a “body blow” for India, emphasising that it will have a significant impact on the visitors’ dressing room dynamics.
Pant sustained the injury in the 68th over of India's first innings on day one. Attempting a premeditated reverse sweep off England all-rounder Chris Woakes, the ball deflected off an inside edge and struck his right foot. The injury caused immediate swelling—reportedly the size of a table tennis ball—with some bleeding as well. Pant was visibly in pain and unable to put weight on the foot.
He was forced to retire hurt on 37 runs off 48 balls after sharing a 72-run partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan. A medical buggy transported him off the field. Scans later confirmed a metatarsal fracture, with an estimated recovery period of at least six weeks.
“It’s a body blow. It will affect the dressing room because they’ve lost a batter—not just for this innings, but for the next one too,” said Shastri during Sky Sports’ broadcast ahead of day two’s play. “If India finds itself in a tight spot, his presence would have been vital. He’s in form, and the energy he brings—the way he plays and unsettles opposition bowlers—is invaluable.”
“From England’s point of view, they’ll think, ‘At least we can control the game now.’ The man who causes sleepless nights is out of the middle. That headache is gone,” Shastri added.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed the sentiment, calling the injury “a huge deal” for the series. “Dhruv Jurel has been doing a lot of wicketkeeping this morning. That delivery from Woakes may have effectively taken out two wickets, as Pant may not return to bat in either innings,” he said. “The next Test starts in a week, and losing such an influential player is a major setback for India.”
With India set to resume from 264/4, Woakes acknowledged the significance of the moment. “If Pant is out—which I'm hearing he potentially is—that’s a bit of a blow for them. He’s been a great player and a tough one to bowl to.”
“Now, with the new ball, we need to hit the right areas early on—pick two quick wickets and we can break through their lower order. Typical Test match cricket—the new ball is key, the first hour is crucial, and we’ll look to get ahead in the game,” he added.
With IANS inputs
