The fourth Test between India and England at Manchester saw Rishabh Pant’s courageous return to the field. Despite suffering a fractured toe on Day 1, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter walked out to bat on Day 2, limping in pain.
It was a display of heart, grit and commitment to the team. The crowd at Old Trafford rose in applause, but it was the reaction from former cricketers that truly underlined the magnitude of Pant’s act.
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What did Deep Dasgupta say about Pant’s brave innings?
Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta was among the firsts to salute Pant's heroic decision to bat through pain. Dasgupta said he never thought he’d witness an act of courage in Indian cricket that could match Anil Kumble bowling with a broken jaw in 2002.
But watching Pant hobble out with a fractured toe changed his mind. “Just Rishabh being Rishabh,” he wrote, admiring the left-hander's natural instinct to fight, no matter the odds.
“I had seen Anil Kumble come out to bowl with a broken jaw in Antigua and didn’t think I would see anything like that again. But this Rishabh Pant act of courage is right up there. Just Rishabh being Rishabh," Dasgupta posted.
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How did Rishabh Pant get injured?
Pant’s injury occurred late on Day 1, during the 68th over of India's innings, when he tried a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes.
The ball struck his right foot hard after an inside edge, and he collapsed in visible agony. Reports later confirmed a fracture on his fifth metatarsal, with swelling the size of a table tennis ball. He had to be taken off the field in a cart and was ruled out for wicketkeeping duties.
But by the time Shardul Thakur was dismissed on Day 2, Pant stunned the crowd by slowly walking out to bat again. He received a standing ovation at Old Trafford, and the crowd’s cheer was matched by online support from Indian greats.
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Pant resumed his innings at 37, retired hurt the previous day, and ended with a brave 54 off 75 balls. His movement was clearly restricted, and he had to limp while running between wickets.