Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been spotted wearing specially reinforced shoes during the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Images circulating on social media show an additional protective layer on his footwear, added after he sustained a toe fracture a few months ago.
Pant, 28, suffered the painful injury during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in July. The incident occurred when he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and missed the ball, resulting in a fractured toe. The setback kept him out of action for several weeks, and he has now returned to the side for the current Test series against the Proteas.
Rishabh Pant shoes with extra protection to save from reverse shots
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) November 15, 2025
Given Rishabh Pant’s tendency to play unorthodox strokes in all conditions and situations, he has opted for additional protection on his shoes to minimise the risk of another injury.
Rishabh Pant’s Quickfire 27 Helps India Take Narrow Lead On Day 2 Of Kolkata Test
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand-born wicketkeeper contributed a brisk 27 off 24 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, as India secured a narrow 30-run lead on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa. Much like the Proteas, India’s batting lineup found the conditions challenging, with KL Rahul top-scoring through a gritty 39 off 119 deliveries.
Washington Sundar (29) and Ravindra Jadeja (27) added important runs before India were dismissed for 189 in 62.2 overs, having resumed the day at 37/1. For South Africa, Simon Harmer led the attack with impressive figures of 4 for 30 from 15.2 overs, while Marco Jansen claimed three wickets. Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch chipped in with one apiece.
Before Tea, the visitors also lost opener Ryan Rickelton for 11, trapped by Kuldeep Yadav. With the pitch offering plenty of difficulty for batters, India will aim to wrap up the South African innings as quickly as possible.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.