ENG vs IND 2025: Rishabh Pant leaves to standing ovation after heroic knock on fractured foot

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant walked back to the pavilion to a grand standing ovation after being dismissed by Jofra Archer during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. He was battling through pain from a fractured right foot, and scored 54 off 75 balls, coming out to bat again on the second day, after being retired out on 37 on the opening day of the ongoing clash against England.

Pant’s injury occurred on Day 1 in the second session of India’s first innings. He attempted an audacious reverse scoop off Chris Woakes, and missed the ball, which landed awkwardly on his right foot. He winced in pain and struggled to stand, and had to be taken off the field and was later transported in an ambulance. Following medical examinations, it was confirmed that he had fractured his foot and was advised six to eight weeks of rest.

Despite the severity of the injury, the star cricketer returned to bat the next morning in the first session of Day 2. He hobbled down while limping from the pavilion to a grand welcome from the fans at the venue. His effort was so much crucial, as he added valuable runs to India’s total. His 54-run knock included three boundaries and two sixes, one of which helped him equal Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in Test cricket.

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The Haridwar-born cricketer eventually fell to Archer in the 113th over. Archer, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a length ball that angled in and then seamed away. Pant, trying to defend from the crease, was beaten by the movement and lost his stumps. He walked back, having shown remarkable courage under pressure.

Following his dismissal, it did not take long for the Ben Stokes-led side to wrap things up, as India were bowled out for 358 in their first innings. The opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Sai Sudharsan (61) laid a solid foundation with their composed knocks. For England, captain Stokes led with the ball, taking 5 for 72, while Archer supported well with three wickets.

With Pant unable to take the field for wicketkeeping duties, Dhruv Jurel will don the gloves for the remainder of the match. Notably, the 26-year-old also ruled out of the fifth Test, and will bat only if needed in the ongoing game in Manchester.