Why always Rishabh Pant? England series all but over for India’s X-factor

Why Always Rishabh Pant?

First, a fatal car accident took away a year of his career. And now, just when he was scripting a historic series in England, another setback strikes.

Just when Indian cricket thought Pant was back to being its X-factor, fate flipped the script again. Fans were hoping his injury wasn’t serious, but the news isn’t good. He has fractured his toe and has been advised six weeks of rest. That means he's out of the England series.

The medical team is scrambling to see if he can bat with painkillers in the 4th Test if needed, but given his condition, the chances are extremely slim. Injuries just don’t seem to leave Team India alone.

Reportedly, Ishan Kishan is being considered for the 5th Test. But here’s the reality check — no player can truly replace Pant. He was the second-highest run-scorer of the series so far. But more than the runs, it was how he got them—game-changing knocks that flipped momentum and revived hope.

This isn’t just a player missing out. It’s Team India losing its wild card—again.

What happened to Pant?

The injury occurred during the second session of play when Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes but inside-edged the ball onto his front (right) foot. He was in immediate, visible discomfort as the spot began to swell almost instantly. Batting on 37 at the time, Pant had to retire hurt and was taken off the field on a golf buggy.

He underwent scans shortly after, which confirmed a fracture.

Interestingly, the England players, having missed the edge, went up in a loud lbw appeal even as Pant visibly winced in pain. He survived both the on-field call and the DRS review, but the swelling and his inability to put weight on the injured foot made it clear something was wrong.

Pant, India’s wicketkeeper and vice-captain, was first treated at the ground’s medical facility. Captain Shubman Gill was seen checking in on him there, after which Pant was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

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