Following the conclusion of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday, July 23, Sai Sudharsan gave a heartbreaking update on Rishabh Pant’s injury situation.
Alongside Sai Sudharsan, the talismanic wicketkeeper-batter was batting aggressively, striking two fours and one six to score 37 runs off 48 balls. He was struck flush on his right boot, though, when he attempted to attack Chris Woakes for a planned reverse sweep during the last session. The umpire has previously refused to give England a leg. Pant had an under-edge, thus Ben Stokes’ attempt at the DRS was unsuccessful.
The 27-year-old was in terrible discomfort from taking the hit. He was seen removing his pads and staggering close to the pitch. To check on Pant, the physiotherapist for the Indian squad hurried in. The Delhi cricket player had to be transported out of the stadium on an ambulance, nevertheless, because things didn’t get better.
Pant will be getting scans, Sai Sudharsan disclosed. The young player said that if Pant is unable to return to the pitch for the remainder of the Test match, the other batters are prepared to assume more responsibility, even though he hoped the Indian vice-captain would recover quickly.
They went for scans, but he was undoubtedly in a lot of agony. Overnight, we’ll find out; we’ll most likely learn tomorrow. He was batting extremely well today as well, so it goes without saying that he would be missed greatly. In addition, we lose out on a batter. If he doesn’t return, there will undoubtedly be repercussions. However, there are a couple more all-rounders inside in addition to the batters who are currently batting. At the press conference following the day’s play, Sai Sudharsan stated, “We’ll try to give it our all and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well.”
I was attempting to handle the matter as effectively as possible and provide my team with my best effort: Sai Sudharsan
On Wednesday, Sai Sudharsan knocked 61 off 151 deliveries, demonstrating a great deal of grit and effort. During his knock, he frustrated the England bowlers by hitting seven fours. Regarding his knock, he stated that he was only trying to express himself and get out in the middle without feeling any pressure.
“I don’t see it as a stressful scenario; rather, I see it as a fantastic chance to express myself publicly. Yes, managing pressure effectively is the key to winning the game. I was doing my best for my team and trying to play the scenario really well. So, that’s the most crucial thing that’s on my mind, not whether I’m playing my first Test or replacing another batter. So, when I get in there as a batter or as a team player, I’m trying to give it my all and not worry about whether I played the previous game or if I’m replacing someone, so I have to get runs, or anything like that,” he continued.
Ben Stokes invited India to bat first, and they ended Day 1 at 264/4. On 19 each, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja were still undefeated.