Rishabh Pant’s return to bat despite an injury on Day 2 of the Manchester Test was hailed as heroic by fans and experts alike. However, a storm has erupted after former England cricketer David Lloyd questioned the seriousness of Pant’s injury—calling it exaggerated and even suggesting it might be “drama.”

David Lloyd's Shocking Claim

Speaking to Talk Sport Cricket, Lloyd said,

“I never had a metatarsal injury in my foot… I played with broken bones in my hand and face. Pant looked in pain, but the lounge conversation was that he’s using the injury to his advantage.”

According to Lloyd, several people around him during the match believed Pant was "milking" the injury. Some even suggested that he should have been timed out, implying he delayed his return to the crease intentionally.

Pant’s Injury on Day 1

Pant was hit by a ball from Chris Woakes on Day 1 while attempting a shot. The delivery struck his foot, reportedly fracturing his thumb. He was visibly struggling to walk and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. But despite the pain, he returned to score a gutsy 54-run knock for India on Day 2.

Lloyd Wants Substitution Rule Change

While criticizing Pant, Lloyd also proposed a change in cricket rules, saying:

“I don’t support runners, but there should be a rule for like-to-like substitutions in case of serious external injuries.”

He stressed that a substitute must match the injured player’s role, and for instance, a spinner shouldn’t replace a batter.

Fans Outraged by Lloyd’s Remarks

Lloyd’s remarks have sparked outrage among Indian fans, who are praising Pant’s courage and calling the former England player’s comments disrespectful and dismissive of a player’s grit.

As the Test continues, the controversy adds more heat to an already high-stakes England vs India clash at Old Trafford.