India suffered yet another worrying moment on Day 4 of the second Test in Guwahati as captain Rishabh Pant appeared in visible discomfort, forcing the physio team to sprint onto the field. The wicketkeeper-batter, who only recently returned to red-ball cricket after a long injury layoff, seemed to have aggravated an old issue linked to his previously fractured right foot.
Pant was seen grimacing as he crouched during the over, immediately signalling for medical attention. The physios checked his right foot—the same area that had suffered a fracture last year during India’s Test series in England.
Old injury resurfaces
Pant’s earlier foot injury had occurred during the Manchester Test on July 23, when a fiery Chris Woakes yorker smashed into his right foot, just below the toe. Initially thought to be a minor blow, scans later confirmed a fracture which ruled him out for the remainder of that tour.
His comeback in the ongoing South Africa series has been inspirational, but signs of the old pain resurfacing have sparked fresh concern in the Indian camp.
India’s leadership crisis deepens
With Rohit Sharma retired hurt from international cricket before the series and Pant leading in his place against South Africa, any injury to the stand-in captain leaves India in a precarious position—especially in a Test where they are already staring at a massive 500-plus run deficit.
Pant continued briefly after treatment, but his movement looked restricted, raising uncertainty over whether he can keep wickets or bat freely in the next innings.
Major worry ahead
India already trail the Test by a huge margin, and a second injury to their captain in a matter of two days—after Mohammed Siraj hurt his shoulder yesterday—adds to the mounting problems.
More updates expected as the team assesses the severity of Pant’s recurrence.
