India Vs England 4th Test: Rishabh Pant Injury Shocks Fans, Sudharsan Shines On Debut

Ahmedabad, July 24 (ReportBuzz.in): The first day of the India vs England 4th Test 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed action-packed turns — an impressive debut top-order innings by Sai Sudharsan, a disciplined English bowling line-up, and a disturbing injury to India's wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

India, who won the toss and decided to bat first, reached 256 for 7 at the close of play, courtesy Sudharsan's solid knock and some last-minute resistance from the lower order. The limelight, though, was more or less hijacked by Pant's sudden injury, which put India's campaign in the shade.

Rishabh Pant's Injury Scare Jolts Team India

During the post-lunch session, disaster befell Rishabh Pant when, trying to play a quick single, he awkwardly twisted his right knee while attempting to get back to his crease. He collapsed on the ground in visible agony and needed to be taken off the field immediately for treatment. The 26-year-old was eventually assisted off the field by the physio and did not resume batting.

A short update from the BCCI later confirmed that Pant had strained a ligament and was under close supervision. His availability for the rest of the Test match is still in doubt.

This is a huge blow for India, not only because Pant is a key middle-order hitter, but also because his aggressive stroke play and dynamic wicketkeeping tend to change the course of the game in India's direction.

Sai Sudharsan Impresses on Test Debut

In spite of the setback, there was one silver lining for the Indian camp — debutant Sai Sudharsan, who appeared to be calm and confident on the biggest stage of his career. Sudharsan’s Test debut played at the top of the order, forming important partnerships with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, providing resistance to England's bowling attack.

He came up with his first Test half-century with a fashionable cover drive to the delight of the Ahmedabad crowd. His 67 off 148 deliveries, punctuated by 9 boundaries, was an exercise in patience and technique, particularly on a wicket offering unpredictable bounce.

England Keep Control with Key Wickets

England’s disciplined bowling was led by captain Ben Stokes, who applied a dogged strategy. Veteran James Anderson continued to haunt the Indian top order, having Virat Kohli dismissed for only 11 with a ball that seamed back violently. Ollie Robinson got rid of the struggling Ajinkya Rahane shortly afterwards, and India went from 98/2 to 125/4.

Jack Leach, England’s spinner, obtained the breakthrough just when India appeared to settle, getting Sudharsan out with a canny arm ball. After that, England maintained pressure, taking wickets at common intervals.

Jadeja and Lower Order Hold Fort

With the top and middle order not being able to capitalize, Ravindra Jadeja once again bore the onus of keeping India afloat. His unbeaten 42 off 74 balls helped India reach 250+ on Day 1. Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with useful contributions before stumps.

Stumps, Day 1: Scorecard Snapshot

• India: 256/7 in 90 overs

• Top Scorer: Sai Sudharsan – 67 (148 balls)

• England Bowling: Anderson – 2/41, Robinson – 2/56, Leach – 2/38

• Ravindra Jadeja – 42* (74 balls)

What's at Stake

India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, and a win in Ahmedabad would wrap up the series with one Test remaining. But Rishabh Pant’s injury could change the equation, particularly if his stay is prolonged.

The India team management finds itself with a dilemma: depend on KS Bharat or call for emergency cover. Either option, Day 2 will go a long way toward determining the direction of this match — and maybe the series.

Fans React with Mixed Emotions

Cricket fans in India and abroad were abuzz with concern and celebration — concern over Pant's injury and celebration over Sudharsan's mature Test debut. Hashtags such as #PantInjured, #SudharsanDebut, and #INDvsENG were trending through the evening.

Up Next

India will pick up Day 2 of the 4th Test with Jadeja and the tail in an attempt to get the total above 300. England, on the other hand, will aim to get things done in a hurry and assert dominance with the bat.