Rishabh Pant's injury can be series-ending? Warning signs from Michael Atherton

Former England captain Michael Atherton voiced grave worry regarding Rishabh Pant's injury, implying it might be a series-altering disadvantage for India. Pant was compelled to withdraw, visibly injured, on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford following a painful impact to his right foot, leaving India in a state of doubt at 264 for 4 at the close of play. The incident transpired near the end of the day's action when Pant attempted a reverse sweep against an overpitched delivery from Chris Woakes.

Rishabh Pant was hit hard on the toe by the ball, prompting an LBW appeal. Although a review showed a slight edge that saved him from dismissal, the injury was already done. Pant, who was on 37 off 48 balls, received on-field treatment before being taken off on a golf cart. His right foot was bleeding and swelling, raising concerns about the severity of the injury. An official update on his condition is awaited.

Rishabh Pant has been plagued by injuries in the series. Earlier, at Lord's, he hurt his finger while keeping wicket, missing the gloves in England's second innings. Now, he's faced another setback, raising concerns about his availability for the rest of the series.

Michael Atherton told Sky Cricket after Day 1 that the injury looked serious based on how it happened and Pant's reaction. "If he is out of the game if he's out of the series, then that's a massive blow to India and puts the day in a different light. That 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with the new ball due, there's a potential for England to wrap things up fairly quickly tomorrow," he said. "But if he returns to bat, he could change the game. So there is an uncertainty which we don't yet know. But it looked quite a serious injury-because you don't get carted off otherwise."

“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. Obviously he will be a big miss, because he was batting really well today as well, and plus we miss out on a batter. If he doesn't come back again it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. We'll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well," he said in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

India began strongly, navigating the first session unscathed. England then fought back, securing key wickets before tea. Woakes broke a 94-run partnership by dismissing Rahul, followed by Dawson's dismissal of Jaiswal. Stokes then removed Gill and Sudharsan, who had scored a composed half-century.

Sai Sudharsan, celebrating his return with a debut Test half-century in this crucial match, mentioned that the team would receive an official update on Pant’s condition the next day. He also expressed confidence in the batting lineup's ability to step up and perform if Pant were unavailable. The team is prepared to adjust and adapt.

On the personal front, Rishabh Pant and Isha Negi's relationship rumors started in 2019 when Pant shared a romantic photo. They allegedly began dating in 2015, when Pant was playing under-19 cricket, but neither confirmed nor denied the relationship rumors, and currently aren't following each other on Instagram.

Regarding his cricket career, Rishabh Pant made history in 2024 by becoming the most expensive player ever auctioned. The auction for Pant commenced at Rs. 2 crores. After several rounds, the bid escalated to a staggering Rs 20.75 crores by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and he was ultimately sold to the team.