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"Only Himself To Blame": Geoffrey Boycott Slams Rishabh Pant For Risky Shot After Injury

Akshita Patel

England legend blames Rishabh Pant for his injury [Source: @BBC, @CricInformer/X.com]England legend blames Rishabh Pant for his injury [Source: @BBC, @CricInformer/X.com]

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a painful injury during the Manchester Test against England, and former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott had harsh words about the incident. According to Boycott, Pant was at fault for playing dangerous shots when his team needed him most and taking a risk he did not need to take.

Pant was batting well in the first inning when he tried a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes. Unfortunately, the ball struck his right foot hard, causing him to bleed and struggle to stand. He had to be helped off the field and was later taken for scans. It was later revealed that Pant had suffered a fracture.

Geoffrey Boycott Critical Of Rishabh Pant’s Shot Selection

Meanwhile, in a podcast with The Telegraph, Geoffrey Boycott said Rishabh Pant only has himself to blame for his injury. The English legend felt that India were in control when Pant was at the crease, and there was no need for such a risky shot, especially against a fast bowler.

“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. They were nicely in control, batting orthodox, there was no need to try something outrageous," Boycott said.

Boycott admitted that Pant’s fearless style often brings excitement to the game, but when risky shots fail, they can look foolish. He added that Pant missing out on batting in both innings could hurt India’s chances in the match.

"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. 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 added.

That being said, despite suffering from a fracture, Pant came out to bat on Day 2, hobbling and clearly in pain. He is yet to be officially ruled out, meaning the door to bat in the second inning is still open for the vice-captain.

BCCI Looking Out For A Replacement For Pant For Oval Test

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to be ruled out of the fifth Test against England after scans confirmed a toe fracture sustained on Day 1 of the Manchester Test. Despite the injury, Pant courageously returned to bat after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal but didn't keep wickets. 

With Ishan Kishan also injured, reports suggest the BCCI will name Narayan Jagadeesan as Pant’s replacement. The 29-year-old Tamil Nadu batter, who impressed in the recent Ranji season with 674 runs, is expected to earn his maiden Test call-up and join the Indian squad ahead of the match starting July 31.