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Fact Check: How Did Rishabh Pant Bat With A Fractured Foot? The Medical Reality

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Injury of Pant and him walking Out To bat [Source: @jayanayak125/x.com, AP Photos]Injury of Pant and him walking Out To bat [Source: @jayanayak125/x.com, AP Photos]

The dramatic saga of Rishabh Pant's foot injury during the fourth Test between England and India initially seemed to tell contradictory stories. First came reports of a serious fracture requiring six weeks of recovery, then the stunning sight of him batting just 24 hours later. What appeared to be conflicting medical reports has now revealed itself as one of cricket's most remarkable tales of personal courage versus medical prudence, with the appointment of his replacement finally providing the complete picture.

The Injury and Initial Chaos

On the first day of the ongoing Manchester Test, Rishabh Pant suffered a serious blow to his right foot while attempting to reverse-sweep Chris Woakes.

The immediate aftermath was alarming - visible swelling, bleeding, and even severe pain that required him to be carted off in a golf buggy.

Medical scans confirmed the worst fears: a metatarsal fracture requiring six weeks of recovery time. Initial reports suggested that Pant was ruled out of the series, leaving India facing the prospect of playing with effectively ten batters.

The Stunning Day 2 Return

What happened next defied all reports. Despite medical advice and a confirmed fracture, Pant walked out to bat on Day 2 after Shardul Thakur's dismissal. The Old Trafford crowd rose in a standing ovation as the injured Indian vice-captain limped to the crease, gritting his teeth with every step.

The dramatic return initially seemed to contradict the severity of the injury reports. How could someone with a fractured foot requiring six weeks of rest be batting just 24 hours later?

The Medical Reality vs Personal Courage

The answer lies in understanding the difference between what someone can physically do versus what they should medically do.

Sources revealed that Pant had taken painkillers and made a personal decision to bat despite medical advice to rest. His ability to play did not disprove the fracture; it demonstrated the extraordinary pain tolerance.

The BCCI's official position clarified the situation: while Pant would not keep wickets, he was "available to bat as per team requirements."

The Definitive Confirmation

The final piece of evidence came with reports that Narayan Jagadeesan has been called up as Pant's replacement for the fifth Test at the Oval.

This appointment definitely confirms that, despite his heroic Day 2 batting effort, Pant is indeed ruled out of the series.

The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter's inclusion proves that the initial medical reports were accurate. Pant's return to batting was not evidence of a minor injury but rather an exceptional act of bravery against medical advice.

The Complete Picture

Pant's story reveals the remarkable lengths to which elite athletes will go for their teams.

The initial injury reports were accurate, the medical advice sound, but the player's personal decision to risk further damage showcased the warrior spirit that defines champions.

While his courage was admirable, the appointment of Jagadeesan confirms that proper medical protocol must ultimately prevail for long-term career preservation.