Rishabh Pant’s shoes in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test carry extra protection post toe fracture [In Pictures]

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is wearing shoes that carry extra protection during the ongoing first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In pictures going viral on social media, an extra layer of protection can be seen on the shoes he is wearing following a toe fracture he suffered a few months ago.

The 28-year-old had suffered a gruesome injury to his toe during the fourth Test against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester in July. The injury occurred when he went for the reverse sweep off Chris Woakes' bowling and failed to connect. The fractured toe ruled Pant out of action for weeks and he came back for India in the ongoing Test series against the Proteas.

With the southpaw known for playing unorthodox shots, regardless of the conditons or situation, he has decided to get the extra protection on his shoes to prevent another mishap.

Rishabh Pant smashes quick-fire 27 as Team India take slender lead on Day 2 of Kolkata Test

Rishabh Pant plays a reverse sweep. (Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand-born cricketer made a 24-ball 27, consisting of two fours and as many sixes, as the Asian Giants took a narrow 30-run lead on Day 2 of the opening Test against South Africa. India's batting unit struggled as much as the Proteas as KL Rahul proved to be their top scorer with 39, grinding for 119 balls. Washington Sundar (29) and Ravindra Jadeja (27) chipped in with crucial contributions as the home side was bowled out for 189 in 62.2 overs after beginning the day at 37/1.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 15.2-4-30-4, while Marco Jansen snared three scalps. Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch picked up one wicket each. Nevertheless, the tourists lost opener Ryan Rickelton for 11 before Tea as Kuldeep Yadav dismissed him. On what is a tough wicket to bat on, the hosts will be looking to dismiss the Proteas quickly.

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Edited by Parag Jain