Gautam Gambhir Embraced Rishabh Pant for Battling Injury: ‘Main Kar Lunga’, Refused Help After Facing 27 Balls with Fracture
Sayuri YukiGautam Gambhir warmly embraced Rishabh Pant, applauding his courageous 54-run innings, including 17 runs scored on a fractured foot.
Rishabh Pant’s Courageous Knock at Old Trafford Becomes Legendary
Rishabh Pant’s legacy expanded beyond just his batting prowess on Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and England at Manchester’s Old Trafford. Already a star after just seven years in Test cricket, Pant displayed extraordinary heart and determination despite cracking his right toe from a yorker by Chris Woakes. When he was stretchered off the field, it seemed unlikely he would bat again in the match.
India’s worst fears were confirmed around midday Thursday, when BCCI sources revealed Pant had suffered a fracture and was advised to rest for 6 to 8 weeks, effectively ruling him out of the series. The chances of him continuing in the Test seemed almost impossible.
However, when the BCCI tweeted that Pant might bat depending on the team’s needs, skepticism ran high. Yet, to everyone’s amazement, Pant limped out to bat after Shardul Thakur’s wicket fell, greeted by one of the loudest ovations ever given to an Indian batsman by an English crowd. Battling on essentially one leg, Pant battled through the pain to score a vital 50, helping India cross 350 and finish on 358.
During his gritty innings, Pant struck a six off Jofra Archer and a boundary against Ben Stokes, all while fending off targeted yorkers aimed at his injured foot. Eventually, Archer delivered a perfect ball that uprooted Pant’s off-stump, ending his innings—but not his reputation. Pant’s fearless fight on a fractured toe elevated his status as one of cricket’s most courageous and determined players.
Pant refuses teammates’ help
As Rishabh Pant made his way back to the dressing room at Old Trafford, teammates Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav rushed to support him near the boundary. But when they tried to help him climb the stairs, Pant firmly refused, uttering a resolute “Main kar lunga” (“I’ll do it myself”). Despite the pain, Pant carefully climbed the stairs alone, embodying sheer determination.
Waiting inside the dressing room were head coach Gautam Gambhir and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who greeted Pant with a warm, heartfelt hug. Pant had battled through 27 deliveries on a fractured foot—joining the ranks of cricket’s bravest.
Cricket history is filled with heroic moments: Graeme Smith walking out with a fractured arm, Brett Lee bleeding profusely yet persevering in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal, and Anil Kumble bowling 14 overs with a broken jaw to dismiss Brian Lara. Pant’s fearless innings at Old Trafford now stands proudly alongside these legendary acts of courage.
Regardless of the final result, this Manchester Test has likely cemented Rishabh Pant’s place as a true cricketing legend.
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