On Wednesday, July 23, Sai Sudharsan offered a disturbing update on Rishabh Pant’s injury situation following the conclusion of Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
The talismanic wicketkeeper-batter batted energetically alongside Sudharsan, scoring 37 runs off 48 balls, including two fours and a six. However, in the last practice, he attempted to attack Chris Woakes with a prepared reverse sweep and was hit flush on the right boot. England had already pleaded for a leg, but the umpire was unmoved. Ben Stokes attempted the DRS, but it was unsuccessful because Pant had an under-edge.
The 27-year-old was in agonising pain after dealing with the blow. He was seen limping towards the pitch and putting off his pads. The Indian team physio went in to check on Pant. However, when matters did not improve, the Delhi cricketer had to be transported out of the stadium via ambulance.
Sudharsan informed Pant that he would be getting scans. While the teenager hoped that the Indian vice-captain would recover soon, he stated that the other batters are prepared to take on more responsibility if Pant is unable to return to the pitch for the remainder of the Test match.
“He was in a lot of agony, but they went to get scans. We’ll find out overnight and most likely receive the information tomorrow. Obviously, he will be a major miss because he was batting well today as well, and we will also be missing a batter. If he does not return, there will be serious consequences. However, the batters are currently batting, and there are a couple more all-rounders inside. We’ll do our best and bat long so that we can deal with the defeat well,” Sudharsan stated in a press conference following the day’s play.
I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team: Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan showed a lot of grit and determination on Wednesday during his knock of 61 off 151 deliveries. He hit seven fours during his innings and frustrated the England bowlers. Speaking about his knock, he said he wasn’t under any pressure and was just looking to get out in the middle and express himself.
“I’m not looking at it as a pressure situation, it’s a great opportunity for me to go out there and express myself. Yes, the game is all about pressure and handling it really well. I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team. So that’s the most important thought, which is right up in my mind rather than me playing my first Test or me playing in place of another batter.
So as a batter or as a player for the team, I’m trying to do my best when I get in there, not to think about, did I play the last game or am I replacing somebody so that I have to definitely get runs, nothing like that,” he added.
India finished Day 1 at 264/4 after being invited to bat first by Ben Stokes. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten on 19 each.
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