On Thursday, Rishabh Pant came out with a performance at Old Trafford that will be talked about for generations to come. Playing despite a broken toe, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter emerged to bat with India on 314/6, after Shardul Thakur’s departure. Hobbled down the stairs of the dressing room to a thunderous welcome, Pant stood tall, literally on one leg, for 59 minutes to contribute 17 more runs to his overnight contribution of 37.
In evident discomfort, Pant continued to hit Jofra Archer for a six and creamed an old-fashioned boundary from Ben Stokes. He scored his half-century before being bowled out by Archer in almost the same way as at Lord’s. By the time Pant walked back, he had taken India’s score to over 350 — a psychological and tactical victory in a closely fought match.
Ravi Shastri: “That’s What Makes Heroes”
Ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri, whose video was released by BCCI, was the first to recognize Pant’s remarkable grit.
“Before this Test, I asked him ‘how is the finger? Is it broken? Will you play this game?’ He said, ‘Of course I will play. Toota bhi ho, toh khelta’ (I would have played even if it was broken‘,” said Shastri, recalling an injury Pant had earlier at the Lord’s Test.
He further added, “What you play for. And that’s what makes heroes. So it shows what he wants, he wants to play, he loves playing Test cricket, for the country. If anyone doubted whether he was a team man, they got to see it first-hand today. That requires more than just steel.”
Dinesh Karthik Praises the Spirit
Senior cricketer Dinesh Karthik seconded Shastri’s praise and referred to Pant as a representative of the never-say-die spirit.
“One thing that is for sure is England loves Rishabh Pant. Being out there, getting those 16-18 runs, is always inspirational,” said Karthik. “Displaying the fact that he cares and he wants to win the series and wants to contribute, was brilliant to watch.”
Pujara Praises Pant’s Fearlessness Despite Pain
Cheteshwar Pujara, himself a master of grit, appreciated Pant’s fearlessness despite being in visible pain.
“Each step he took indicated that he was in immense pain. He displayed a lot of character. It’s never an easy task to accomplish what he did for the country,” Pujara said. “We require players like him who can rise to the occasion in tough times.”
Pant’s knock not only took India past a crucial score but also lit the dressing room’s morale. The standing ovation he got from Indian as well as English players is a testament to the huge amount of respect he earned. His resolve to play in spite of injury is a message. Test cricket is still alive in the hearts of those players who are prepared to take the pain for the country and team.
