Rishabh Pant Braves Fractured Toe to Bat for India Despite Injury. India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant won widespread admiration including praise from legend Sachin Tendulkar after he courageously walked out to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, despite a serious toe injury.
Rishabh Pant sustained the injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test while attempting a reverse sweep to a yorker from Chris Woakes. The 27-year-old was in visible discomfort and had to retire hurt. Earlier reports suggested Pant would need a six-week recovery period, ruling him out of the final Test at The Oval.
However, the BCCI confirmed that Dhruv Jurel would take over wicketkeeping duties, while Pant would still be available to bat if required.
Sachin Tendulkar Hails Rishabh Pant’s Grit After Heroic Knock Despite Injury
Rishabh Pant’s courageous innings at Old Trafford left fans and legends in awe, including Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who praised the wicketkeeper-batter for showing immense character under adversity.
Contrary to expectations that he would come out last, Rishabh Pant surprised everyone by walking in after India lost their sixth wicket, following Shardul Thakur’s dismissal. As he emerged from the pavilion stairs, a thunderous standing ovation erupted across the Old Trafford crowd in recognition of his bravery.
Rishabh Pant, clearly in pain, hobbled to the crease and was greeted by a pat on the head from Shardul. Battling an injured foot, he defied brutal yorkers from Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, refusing to back down. Despite limited mobility, he ran what runs he could and declined risky singles.
His resilience paid off—he went on to score 54 runs, completing a valiant half-century before being dismissed by Archer. Rishabh Pant effort was crucial in taking India to 358 in the first innings, even as Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul (5/72).
Tendulkar took to X (formerly Twitter) to salute Pant’s spirit:
“Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it. @RishabhPant17 showed tremendous character by walking back into the game with an injury and delivering a performance like that. His fifty is a powerful reminder of the grit and determination it takes to represent your country. A brave effort, and one that will be remembered for a long time. Well played, Rishabh!”
Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it.@RishabhPant17 showed tremendous character by walking back into the game with an injury and delivering a performance like that.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 24, 2025
His fifty is a powerful reminder of the grit and determination it takes to represent… pic.twitter.com/OJ7amt9OAa
