Key Points

Rishabh Pant showed incredible courage by returning to bat despite a painful toe injury in the Manchester Test. The Old Trafford crowd gave him a standing ovation, while cricket legends like Irfan Pathan and Deep Dasgupta praised his fighting spirit. Even Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka lauded Pant's character. Though he won't keep wickets, Pant remains available to bat for India.

Key Points: Rishabh Pant's Grit Shines in Manchester Test Comeback

  • Pant defies injury to bat on Day 2 after Woakes' yorker
  • Manchester crowd gives standing ovation
  • Pathan brothers and Dasgupta hail his fighting spirit
  • BCCI confirms Pant won't keep wickets but can bat
3 min read

Just Rishabh being Rishabh: Pant's grit wins hearts as he returns to bat in Manchester Test

Rishabh Pant stuns fans by batting through pain in Manchester Test, earning praise from cricket legends and fans alike.

"I had seen Anil Kumble come out to bowl with a broken jaw... But this Rishabh Pant act of courage is right up there. – Deep Dasgupta"

Manchester, July 24

The India wicket-keeper batter, who had to walk off injured on Day 1 after taking a painful blow from a Chris Woakes toe-crusher, stunned everyone as he limped back onto the field on Thursday to bat on Day 2 of the Manchester Test.

As he walked out after the dismissal of Shardul Thakur for 41, the Manchester crowd rose to their feet and erupted in a massive cheer.

The classy reception was given by the Old Trafford crowd, which was posted by the official X handle of England Cricket.

https://x.com/englandcricket/status/1948347388256546995

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, never one to shy away from recognising fighting spirit, posted on X,

"Rishabh Pant you fighter."

https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1948345127321178398

His elder brother Yusuf Pathan echoed the sentiment, posting, "Team India suffered a setback on Day 1 after Pant was forced to leave the field when a toe-crushing yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck him on the right foot. The left-hander was in visible pain and could not continue batting, raising concerns over his participation in the rest of the match."

https://x.com/iamyusufpathan/status/1948346367769731146?t=hsEh9qUJh5BMzkNpGvioaQ&s=19

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta recalled another iconic moment of courage in Indian cricket history to put Pant's act in perspective.

"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."

https://x.com/DeepDasgupta7/status/1948357843394212124?t=w_HllTJ5NrgcR7fWIB_Unw&s=19

Even Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka, who saw Pant lead his franchise with heart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), joined in to applaud the southpaw's grit.

"Not just talent. This is character. Salute."

https://x.com/DrSanjivGoenka/status/1948349984807506378?t=X71DpKC0dEeWit8_SuYkjg&s=19

The BCCI has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will not keep wickets for the remainder of the Manchester Test after suffering a toe injury, but he will be available to bat if required.

Team India suffered a setback on Day 1 after Pant was forced to leave the field when a toe-crushing yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck him on the right foot. The left-hander was in visible pain and could not continue batting, raising concerns over his participation in the rest of the match.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an England fan, even I have to applaud this. The standing ovation from Old Trafford crowd says it all. Cricket needs characters like Pant!
P
Priya S
While I admire his courage, shouldn't team management be more careful? We can't risk losing him long-term for one match. Health should come first yaar.
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Vikram M
Pant is the new age Dhoni when it comes to guts! That comparison with Kumble's Antigua moment is spot on. These are the moments that define legends.
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Rohit P
Bhai sahab, this is next level commitment! 🏏 The way he was limping yet determined to bat... gives me goosebumps. Jai Hind!
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Kavya N
My heart skipped a beat seeing him walk out! That too in England where conditions are already tough. Pant is rewriting what it means to play for the country. Respect+++

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