📌 What happenedOn Day 1 (July 23, 2025) of the Fourth Test in Manchester, Pant inside-edged a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes straight onto his right (front) foot, resulting in a swelling, bruising, and visible bleeding. He quickly retired hurt and was taken off the field in considerable pain, using a golf-cart–style vehicle rather than walking off himself .Scans confirmed a fractured metatarsal/toe—specifically a compound fracture—with medical advice recommending 6 to 8 weeks of rest, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the series including the final Test at The Oval (starting July 31) .The BCCI issued an official statement confirming Pant would not perform wicket‑keeping duties for the remainder of the match, and Dhruv Jurel took over the gloves, though Pant remains available to bat if needed .–
Day 2 heroics despite a Fracture despite the diagnosis, Pant defied medical advice and hobbled out to bat on Day 2, delivering a gritty innings—scoring 54 runs off 75 balls, including a six off Jofra Archer and a boundary to bring up his fifty—before being bowled .His decision to bat, taken during a conversation with Gautam Gambhir according to Sanjay Manjrekar, stunned fans and pundits alike. Manjrekar hailed it as an iconic gesture, comparing it to historic feats in cricket like Anil Kumble bowling with a broken jaw .
