In a moment of grit and heroism, Rishabh Pant returned to bat for India in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, despite battling a fractured foot. As the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman limped down the stairs to the middle on Day 2, a loud roar echoed across the stadium, applauding the left-hander’s determination to fight for his team.
Pant came in to bat after Shardul Thakur was dismissed for 41 (88 balls) by Ben Stokes, caught at gully by Ben Duckett. India was 314 for 6 at that point, and the innings appeared to be running out of momentum.
Pant, who was earlier ruled out of fielding duties due to injury, has now returned with a taped foot, clearly in discomfort, but showcasing immense courage. Despite his limited mobility, he scored 37 off 48 balls at the time of this report, with two boundaries and a six, striking at a rate of 77.08.
At the other end, Washington Sundar is batting on 17 off 57 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Pant.
This is yet another chapter in Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback story, as he had already defied odds returning to Test cricket after surviving a major car accident in 2022. Now, in Manchester, he’s once again showing why he’s one of India’s most admired cricketers — not just for his flair, but also for his courage.
