Rishabh Pant has only himself to blame: England legend Geoffrey Boycott on India star's toe injury

Rishabh Pant got injured badly during the Manchester Test. (AP Photo)

England legend Geoffrey Boycott chastised Rishabh Pant for his current situation. India were in control at 213 for 3, with Rishabh Pant looking settled at the crease, when he attempted a risky reverse sweep off medium pacer Chris Woakes. The shot backfired as he bottom-edged the ball onto his boot, leading to a painful injury. Moments later, Pant was taken off the field on a golf buggy and forced to retire hurt.

“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,” he said in Telegraph’s podcast brief before the start of the second day’s play at Manchester.

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Pant has reportedly been ruled out of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. He has been advised to take six weeks off after breaking his right toe, according to an Indian Express report. However, BCCI posted on X that 27-year-old will be available to bat as per team requirements.

“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,” BCCI posted on their official X handle:.

Boycott, meanwhile, was perplexed by the shot's timing. “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. India, yesterday, was getting themselves to an excellent batting position. 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,” he said.

“India start the day at 261/4. The real key is Pant doubtful to bat. So technically India are five down. Two overs to the new ball, and England bowlers have had a night’s rest, they are fresh, raring to go and there is every chance of England’s bowlers polishing off the last five wickets for just over 300,” he said.

But he warns: “Anything over 340, England’s bowlers would have failed. Pant’s injury is a stroke of misfortune for India, England should drive home this misfortune by a really good bowling performance this morning with the new ball and then bat well, get a good lead and take charge of this Test match,” he said.