“If Rishabh Pant is out of the series…” - Michael Atherton fears the worst for Team India

Former England captain and commentator Michael Atherton feels there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Rishabh Pant, who got injured and left the field in a golf-like buggy on the opening day of the Manchester Test.

Before stumps on Day 1, Pant was hit on his toe by Chris Woakes’ delivery as the batter tried to attempt a premeditated reverse sweep. As soon as Pant removed his shoe, the area turned out to be swollen and bleeding, and he was advised to walk off the field.

Atherton, who was speaking on Sky Sports Cricket on Day 1, asserted that if Pant doesn’t come out to bat again, it would hamper India’s chances in the ongoing Test. However, if he comes out to bat, he would change the course of the game.

“If he is out of the game...if he's out of the series, then that's a massive blow to India and puts the day in a different light. That 264 for four becomes 264 for five, and with that new ball due, there is a potential to knock India over reasonably swiftly tomorrow. But if he returns to bat, he could change the game. So there is an uncertainty which we don't know. But it looked like a quite serious injury, because you don't get carted off otherwise,” he said.

Sai Sudharsan, who came in at No.3 for Karun Nair in Manchester, stated that Pant was in a lot of pain after being hit on his toe. He added that if the keeper-batter doesn’t come out to bat again, it will definitely have a major consequence. 

“He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they've gone for scans. We'll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow. Obviously he will be a big miss, because he was batting really well today as well, and plus we miss out on a batter,” Sudharsan said.

“If he doesn't come back again it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. We'll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well," he added.

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