India are currently taking on England in the fourth Test of the five-match series at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Rishabh Pant was one of the key performers for India with the bat in the first innings. However, in what was a pretty bad news for the Indian Team management, the star wicketkeeper-batter was seriously injured while facing a ball from Chris Woakes. The ball hit his foot, and he was left seething in pain, as he had to be carried back on a golf cart. He was subsequently ruled out from wicketkeeping in the Test match, and his participation in the 5th Test is also in doubt. Now, former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has blamed Pant himself.

In an interaction on The Telegraph Podcast, Geoffrey Boycott said that Pant has only himself to blame for his injury, because he tried to play an unorthodox shot against Chris Woakes. He even said when such audacious shots fail to connect, Pant looks silly. He also critixized Pant saying that hius injury could cost India the match.

“It is always sad when a player gets hurt and affects his ability to play a part in the game. Especially someone as talented as him. But he has only himself to blame,” Boycott said.

“They were nicely in control, batting orthodox; there was no need to try something outrageous. Rishabh tries amazing strokes. When they come off , people are astonished and he is cheered, and that is the essence of his batting. But occasionally when it does not, it can look silly. India, yesterday, was getting themselves to an excellent batting position. On one hand, many would say that is his nature, but on the other hand, him not batting in both innings might cost India the match. It will affect the runs they could add to that innings. He is that good,” he added.

Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant, showed an act of absolute valour as he came out to bat even though his toe was broken. He even slammed a half-centtury, helping India scored 358.