Team India were dealt an early blow on the first day of the fourth Test against England when Rishabh Pant had to leave the field after a painful hit to his right foot.
On Wednesday (July 23), Chris Woakes bowled a fast yorker that slipped under Pant’s attempted no-look sweep and hit him squarely on the foot, just below the toe.
Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain who has worked closely with Pant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Delhi Capitals, suggested it could be a metatarsal injury due to the visible swelling that appeared straight away.
Medical tests revealed a toe fracture, and he has been advised to rest for six weeks, The Indian Express reported.
But what exactly is a metatarsal injury? And how serious can it be?
Let’s take a look:
The metatarsals are the five long bones that run from the middle of the foot to the toes.
These bones can break easily due to accidents, direct impacts, or repetitive activities like running.
A metatarsal fracture refers to a partial or complete break in one of these bones, according to the UK-based Physiopedia. The type of treatment depends on where the break has occurred.
Notably, metatarsal fractures are among the most common foot injuries treated in emergency and trauma care.
Treatment usually focuses on correcting the alignment of the bones, which helps maintain the natural arch of the foot and ensures even weight distribution across the foot, according to the American National Library of Medicine.
With proper care, these fractures generally heal well. However, if the bones do not heal correctly or fail to join, they may lead to long-term issues.
The second and third metatarsals often face more pressure while walking. As a result, stress fractures in these bones are common, especially among soldiers or people doing repetitive walking. This type of injury is often referred to as a “marcher’s fracture.”
The most frequent site of metatarsal fractures is at the base of the fifth metatarsal, usually caused when the foot twists inwards.
The fifth metatarsal runs along the outer edge of the foot and connects to the little toe.
Metatarsal fractures make up around 5% to 6% of all fractures seen in the US, according to Cleveland Clinic. While anyone can suffer from them, men in their 30s and women in their 70s are more likely to experience a fifth metatarsal break.
Is surgery required?
Most metatarsal fractures heal without surgery, according to the US-based Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), which includes orthopaedic surgeons, researchers and medical experts.
In such cases, doctors usually recommend a cast, a protective shoe or boot, and may restrict how much weight can be placed on the foot.
The healing process typically takes around 12 weeks.
However, if the bone breaks through the skin, surgery is necessary to reposition and secure the bone properly.
Notably, a Jones fracture, often seen in athletes and people with high activity levels, is one type of metatarsal fracture that commonly requires surgery.
Recovery in such cases can involve up to eight weeks of avoiding any pressure on the foot. Even so, with proper treatment, most metatarsal injuries heal well.
Rishabh Pant ruled out of England tour
An official update on the nature of Pant’s injury was shared on Thursday.
It has been confirmed that Rishabh Pant will play no further role in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as he has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series against England.
The wicketkeeper-batter has been advised six weeks of rest due to the toe fracture, as per media reports.
A BCCI source told The Indian Express that the medical team is exploring whether Pant can return to bat by taking a painkiller, but the chances are bleak.
Meanwhile, the selection committee is set to add Ishan Kishan to the squad for the fifth Test, which will be held at The Oval from July 31 to August 4, as Pant will not be available for the final match, according to the report.
Earlier, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the swelling and Pant’s inability to bear weight on his foot are worrying signs.
“He (Pant) hardly put his foot on the ground. The immediate swelling was the worry for me. I’ve had a metatarsal injury myself, and they’re small, fragile bones. The fact he couldn’t put any weight on it, it doesn’t look good at all,” Ponting said on Sky Sports.
Notably, Pant had to be taken off the field in a golf-style buggy, clearly in pain. He was brought to the ground’s medical facility, where India Test Captain Shubman Gill checked on him.
Later, the BCCI confirmed that Pant, India’s vice-captain, had been taken to hospital for scans.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:
Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.
He was taken for scans from the stadium.
The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025
He has been in top form, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries so far in the series.
Notably, India is already battling a growing injury list, with all-rounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy (knee) ruled out of the series, and pacers Akash Deep (groin) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb) also unavailable for the fourth Test.
