Rishabh Pant fractures toe; sends massive blow to India in ENG vs IND 2025 Test series: Reports

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fractured his toe on the opening day of the ongoing fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester. In what comes as a massive blow for the visitors, Pant has been advised rest for six weeks, as per a report by The Indian Express.

During the 68th over of India's first innings, Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. The ball took an inside edge and hit his right toe, leaving him in a lot of pain. The left-hander was stretchered off the field and then taken to the medical centre in an ambulance. He retired out on 37 off 48 balls.

According to the report, scans have confirmed a fracture, ruling Pant out of action for six weeks. However, with India a batter short for the remainder of the Test, the medical team is exploring the possibility of having him bat on painkillers. However, the chances of his returning are unlikely.

“The scan report showed a fracture and he is ruled out for six weeks. The medical team is trying to see if he can come out to bat again by taking a pain killer. He still needs support to walk though and chances of his batting looks very bleak,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

It comes as a huge blow for India, who are currently 1-2 down and facing a must-win situation in Manchester. Rishabh Pant has been among their best batters in the series, with 472 runs so far at an average of 60.14, including two hundreds and as many fifties.

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Ishan Kishan to be included for fifth Test after Rishabh Pant's injury blow

The Indian Express report also claimed that India would add wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan to the squad for the fifth Test. Rishabh Pant, advised to rest for six weeks, will not be a part of the final Test, which begins on July 31, at The Oval.

Notably, Ishan Kishan recently played a couple of County Cricket matches for Nottinghamshire. The left-hander was signed on a short-term deal for two matches.

He was impressive with the bat, scoring 87 against Yorkshire in the first match and 77 against Somerset in the second. Kishan has played just two Tests for India, scoring 78 runs with one half-century.

He has featured in 60 first-class matches, making 3611 runs at an average of 38.82 with eight hundreds and 19 fifties.