Rishabh Pant Injured in IND vs ENG Test: Chris Woakes’ Toe-Hitting Delivery Ends Series for Indian Star

IND vs ENG: It was supposed to be another gritty inning. Another Rishabh Pant show under pressure. But fate had something cruel in store. Just when it looked like India was building momentum in the fourth Test against England, a heartbreaking scene unfolded—Pant, limping, bleeding, and in visible pain, signaling for help. A toe-crushing delivery from Chris Woakes had shattered more than just a bone—it cracked India’s spirit. The visuals of Pant being driven off in a medical cart felt like déjà vu for fans who had once seen him bounce back from a near-fatal car crash. This time, though, his bat had to stay silent.

IND vs ENG: Chris Woakes reveals the moment that changed everything

Speaking to Sky Sports after the dramatic incident, Chris Woakes opened up on the delivery that ended Pant’s series. The England seamer admitted he sensed Pant was about to attack and decided to change his pace. “He’s quite unpredictable. I had a feeling he might charge. So I bowled a slower, fuller one… it hit his foot,” Woakes explained. He said it wasn’t meant to be a yorker, but the ball landed right on Pant’s toe—and the damage was instant. Blood, swelling, and agony followed. Pant retired hurt on 37 and had to leave for scans that later revealed a toe fracture.

Rishabh Pant ruled out of the England series with a toe fracture.

The scan reports confirmed what fans feared—Rishabh Pant had suffered a compound fracture in his right toe. Medical sources from the Indian camp revealed he was in severe pain and was immediately advised six weeks of rest. That means Pant is officially out of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. With no chance of batting again in the series, the Indian dressing room now looks for alternatives. Dhruv Jurel came in as a substitute behind the stumps, but without Pant’s bat, India will essentially play with ten men for the rest of the Test.

Who will replace Pant now? Ishan Kishan in the spotlight

As of now, Ishan Kishan is the top contender to replace Pant in the squad. Kishan had toured with India A and also played county cricket in England recently. His familiarity with the conditions makes him a natural fit. While the BCCI is yet to release an official update, team insiders have confirmed that management is actively discussing replacements. With Kishan’s experience and left-handed style, he might be the much-needed spark to fill the void left by Pant.

Injury woes mount for India during a crucial Test battle.

Rishabh Pant’s injury is just one of many headaches for India in this Test series. Nitish Kumar Reddy has already been ruled out, while Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are also unfit for the Manchester Test. Pant had already suffered a finger injury at Lord’s in the previous game and was seen wincing in pain while keeping wickets. Despite these setbacks, he had scored a valiant 74 in that Test. In Manchester, though, the body couldn’t keep up with the mind.

A painful pause in Pant’s heroic comeback journey

Just last year, Pant was recovering from a life-threatening car accident. Most doubted if he would ever play cricket again. But he returned, first through IPL with Delhi Capitals, then made it to India’s T20 World Cup squad. His Test comeback came in 2024 against Bangladesh, and he looked as fearless as ever. Two centuries in Headingley, a gritty knock at Lord’s—it felt like the old Pant was back. But cricket can be cruel. That one delivery from Woakes halted everything. And now, once again, Pant will have to fight his way back—starting from scratch.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on the latest updates available from match sources and media reports as of July 24, 2025. Official confirmation from the BCCI is awaited for final player replacement decisions.

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