Rishabh Pant's Remarkable Comeback Despite Injury in Manchester Test

Rishabh Pant demonstrated extraordinary courage by batting with a fractured toe during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Despite the injury, he scored 54 runs, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Ravi Shastri praised Pant's determination and love for Test cricket, highlighting his impressive performance throughout the series. With 479 runs to his name, including two centuries, Pant's commitment to the game is evident. However, he may miss the final Test at The Oval, with N Jagadeesha expected to replace him. Read on to discover more about Pant's inspiring journey and his impact on the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 16:08 IST

Rishabh Pant's Courageous Performance

On Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain of Team India, showcased remarkable determination by batting with a fractured toe. This incident occurred on July 24, during a crucial match in the five-match series.

While batting at 37 runs off 47 balls, Pant was struck on his right foot by a yorker from Chris Woakes while attempting a reverse sweep. The impact caused him significant pain, leading to immediate medical assistance. He was subsequently transported off the field in a buggy ambulance due to his inability to walk. Medical scans later confirmed a fracture in his toe.

Despite the injury, Pant displayed incredible resolve, returning to the crease to score 54 runs off 75 balls before being dismissed by Jofra Archer. His entrance to bat was met with a standing ovation from the crowd at Old Trafford.

A Conversation with Ravi Shastri

In light of Pant's brave return, Ravi Shastri shared insights from a conversation he had with the player prior to the Manchester Test. In a video shared by the Indian Cricket Team on social media, Shastri recounted asking Pant about his finger injury, to which Pant expressed his eagerness to play, even if it meant playing with a broken finger.

Shastri recalled, "Before this Test, I asked him, 'how is the finger, tuta toh nahi hal?' He confidently replied, 'Of course, I will play this game. Tuta bhi hota toh bhi khelta.'"

Injury and Resilience

Ravi Shastri also referred to Pant's earlier finger injury sustained during his wicketkeeping duties on Day 1 of the Lord's Test, which had sidelined him from keeping wickets. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping role during that match.

Despite the injury, Pant managed to bat in both innings, scoring a total of 83 runs, including a commendable 74 off 112 balls in the first innings. Speculations about his availability for the Manchester Test were put to rest as he made a swift recovery.

Shastri's Praise for Pant

Further commending Pant's spirit, Shastri highlighted the significance of his actions, stating that such determination is what elevates players to hero status. He emphasized Pant's passion for Test cricket and his commitment to the team.

"For him to come back and do what he did was something special. If that doesn’t lift the team up, nothing will. The ovation he received was a testament to his dedication to the sport," Shastri remarked.

He added, "What you play for is the love of the game, and that’s what makes heroes. Pant's actions today showcased his commitment to playing for his country."

Pant's Performance in the Series

Rishabh Pant has been in outstanding form throughout the Test series against England, accumulating 479 runs, which includes two centuries and three fifties, with an impressive average of 68.43 across seven innings.

However, it is anticipated that Pant may miss the fifth and final Test at The Oval, with Tamil Nadu cricketer N Jagadeesha likely to take his place in the squad.