What started as a steady day at Old Trafford took a sharp turn when Rishabh Pant retired hurt, leaving fans holding their breath. It was the first day of the highly anticipated England vs India 4th Test day 1, and while the cricket was slow but competitive, Pant’s injury became the headline no one wanted. Just as he looked set to change gears, he had to be wheeled off the field, his innings cut short at 37.

Why Rishabh Pant Retired Hurt on Day 1?

Pant came into the England vs India 4th Test day 1 already carrying a minor finger injury, but team captain Shubman Gill felt he was fit enough to play. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas. During the 68th over, Pant attempted a flashy reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, classic Pant style, but ended up jamming the ball into the side of his right foot. England reviewed for LBW, but the replays showed a clear inside-edge.

Related Article：India’s Injured Players Ahead the 4th Test – Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Rishabh Pant is driven off the field of play after suffering some severe swelling on his right foot and Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle… 🩹 pic.twitter.com/vJlu5CABQ8

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025

The damage was done, though. Pant instantly took off his gloves in pain, unable to put weight on his foot. A drinks break turned into a medical emergency as physios removed his boot, revealing swelling and a bloody bruise. Minutes later, he was driven off the field in a buggy. Just like that, Rishabh Pant retired hurt, and India lost their vice-captain at a crucial moment.

🚨 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙩 🚨

Rishabh Pant completes 1⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ Test runs in England! 👍

He also becomes the first wicketkeeper to score 1000-plus runs in away Tests 🔝

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/L1EVgGtx3a#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/DIR3iseYaQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025

History Made Before the Injury

Here’s the silver lining: before Rishabh Pant retired hurt, he achieved something no other visiting wicketkeeper-batter had ever done: 1000 Test runs in England. That milestone put him above some serious legends, including MS Dhoni. Pant’s consistency across this tour has been phenomenal, and this latest feat just adds to his growing legacy. Here’s a look at the top five:

This wasn’t just another stat. Pant became the first ever visiting wicketkeeper-batsman to reach 1000 Test runs in England, showing once again that the English conditions bring out the best in him.

England vs India 4th Test Day 1 Highlights

Day 1 wasn’t exactly edge-of-your-seat stuff, but it was filled with quiet battles and slow-burning tension. Under gloomy Manchester skies, India were asked to bat first, and they responded with grit. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal saw off the new ball in textbook fashion, putting on 94 for the opening wicket. Jaiswal, usually flashy, was unusually patient in reaching his half-century, while Rahul soaked up pressure like a pro before falling just short of 50.

Captain 🆚 captain

And Ben Stokes comes out on top! 🔥

🇮🇳 1️⃣4️⃣0️⃣-3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/kjpBIGpp5K

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 23, 2025

Just when India looked to rebuild after lunch, skipper Shubman Gill walked into a storm, literally and figuratively. Facing Ben Stokes, Gill misjudged an in-dipper and was trapped plumb LBW, offering no shot at all. As he trudged back, the crowd let him have it with a loud wave of boos. It was a soft dismissal at the worst possible moment, and it left India wobbling yet again.

Related Match：ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test of the India tour of England series on 07/23 at 03:30 PM IST

The real backbone of the day, though, was Sai Sudharsan, who anchored the innings with a calm and classy 61. His partnership of 72 with Pant was looking dangerous before, of course, Rishabh Pant retired hurt and the momentum shifted. England’s bowlers weren’t particularly threatening, but they bowled with discipline. Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson picked up important wickets and kept things from slipping away.

Conclusion

By the end of 83 overs, India were 264 for 4. Not dominant, but definitely solid. The biggest concern now? Pant’s injury. With no official update yet, it’s unclear if he’ll be able to return in the second innings. Given his record, especially after just becoming the first visiting wicketkeeper-batsman to score 1000 Test runs in England. His absence could be a major blow to India’s hopes of leveling the series.