Rishabh Pant's Inspiring Message to Teammates Ahead of Final Test

Pant's Encouraging Words for the Team

Manchester: Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter for India, will not participate in the fifth Test at The Oval due to a fractured foot. Before his absence, he shared an encouraging message with his teammates, urging them to strive for victory to equalize the series, which currently stands at 2-1 in favor of England.

Despite enduring pain from his injury, Pant displayed remarkable bravery during India's first innings, managing to score a half-century. He sustained the injury when a yorker from pacer Chris Woakes struck his right foot, causing him to retire from the match temporarily.

Reflecting on the team's efforts to secure a draw at Old Trafford, where centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, along with a resilient 90 from KL Rahul, frustrated the English side, Pant stated, "This is just a gesture from my side. My focus is on the team's success rather than personal achievements."

He expressed gratitude for the team's support, saying, "It’s been incredible how they have backed me. The pressure is immense, but the unity of the country behind us is something special. It’s hard to describe the pride I feel representing my nation."

Pant's final message to his teammates was clear: "Let’s win this for our country, guys!"

Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Pant's courageous performance, emphasizing that such actions lay the groundwork for the team's future.

Gambhir remarked, "Rishabh's contributions will be the foundation of this Test team. I prefer to focus on the team rather than individuals, but his legacy will inspire future generations. Well done, Rishabh; the nation will always be proud of you."

All-rounder Washington Sundar, who recently scored his first Test century, also commended Pant's willingness to endure pain for the team's sake, stating, "It's hard to express what he must be feeling with a fractured toe. His determination is commendable, and the entire country is proud of him."

For the concluding Test of the series, Narayan Jagadeesan has been appointed as Pant's replacement. The match is scheduled to take place at The Oval in London starting July 31.