Down and all but out of the IND vs ENG Manchester Test with a foot fracture, Rishabh Pant is now facing criticism for a “silly” shot that resulted in the misfortune injury. Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott, known for no-holds-barred comments, has criticised Pant for playing a silly shot and injuring himself, adding that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has only himself to blame. As things stand, Pant is available to bat in the ongoing 4th Test against England. But he won’t keep wickets. Pant is likely to miss the final Test at the Oval.
“It is always sad when a player gets hurt and affects his ability to play a part in the game. Especially someone as talented as him. But he has only himself to blame,” Geoffrey Boycott said on The Telegraph’s podcast brief.
Rishabh Pant injury
Not so long ago, there were doubts about Rishabh Pant’s availability as a player in the IND vs ENG Manchester Test after he injured his finger on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test. However, with a long break in between, Pant made a full recovery, keeping Dhruv Jurel out of the game.
But tragedy struck again on Day 1 of the 4th Test. As Rishabh Pant tried to play a reverse sweep, he missed the line completely and Chris Woakes’s low full toss, which seemed harmless at 130kph, took the bottom edge of Pant’s bat and hit him on the toe. Even as England unsuccessfully took the review, Pant was dismissed by his own mistake.
The delivery left the toe swollen with some blood, forcing Rishabh Pant to be stretchered off. He looked in terrible pain and could not stand on his feet, forcing him to retire hurt as India were 212/3. He was taken for scans immediately. Later, the scan reports revealed that he had fractured the fifth metatarsal. He would need at least six weeks of rest to recover. While the cricketing world felt sorry for Pant, who had to retire hurt on 37, Boycott, who has had the habit of being cynical, showed no mercy. He criticised the shot and timing of it that Pant played to get himself injured.
“They were nicely in control, batting orthodox. There was no need to try something outrageous. Rishabh tries amazing strokes. When they come off, people are astonished and he is cheered, and that is the essence of his batting. But occasionally, when it does not, it can look silly. On one hand, many would say that is his nature, but on the other hand, him not batting in both innings might cost India the match. It will affect the runs they could add to that innings. He is that good,” Boycott said.
Pant available to bat
However, the fighter Rishabh Pant, having already beaten death in a near-fatal car crash and a career-threatening knee injury as a result, will bat in the Manchester Test. Pant arrived at the Old Trafford Stadium on crutches but took injections to be available to bat, proving Boycott wrong.
“Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements,” the BCCI said in a statement, updating on Pant’s injury.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
