Sachin Tendulkar and Sanjiv Goenka applauded Rishabh Pant’s fearless innings despite batting with a fractured foot on Day 2 of the 4th India vs England Test in Manchester.
Rishabh Pant’s Courageous Comeback at Old Trafford Captivates the Cricketing World
The unforgettable sight of Rishabh Pant limping down the stairs at Old Trafford in Manchester will be etched in cricketing history. After suffering a blow to his right toe, the BCCI confirmed nearly 24 hours later that Pant had sustained a fracture—a hairline crack that makes even the slightest movement excruciating. Given the severity of the injury, no one expected Pant to take the field when play resumed on Day 2.
Yet, when Shardul Thakur was dismissed for 41, the crowd erupted—not for the wicket, but for Pant, who entered the field on one leg. With the series hanging in the balance and six wickets down, India needed Pant’s grit, no matter how limited his mobility.
Rishabh Pant’s heroic innings, achieved through painkillers and injections, evoked memories of Anil Kumble’s legendary 2002 feat of bowling with a broken jaw. Battling immense pain, Pant managed a resilient half-century, showcasing a lion’s heart.
His bravery earned worldwide praise. Stuart Broad admitted, “We just don’t know what’s coming from Pant.” Dinesh Karthik expressed amazement, while Ricky Ponting quipped, “Who says you need to use your feet?” Michael Atherton called it, “The most remarkable fifty, in the circumstances.”
The Master Blaster reacts
Perhaps no tribute was more meaningful than that from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who witnessed Anil Kumble’s iconic display in Antigua 23 years ago. Tendulkar stood up and applauded Pant’s extraordinary performance on Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and England.
“Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it. Rishabh Pant 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,” Tendulkar posted on X.
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
Not just talent. This is character. Salute. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/PTyW8atCBz
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 24, 2025
Rishabh Pant’s fearless display didn’t just impress cricket legends—it also won admiration from his IPL franchise boss. Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, lauded Pant’s character alongside his talent.
“Not just talent. This is character. Salute,” Goenka wrote, expressing deep respect for Pant’s determination. Earlier in IPL 2025, Goenka had experienced ups and downs with Pant but had always supported him, wishing the wicketkeeper a speedy recovery after his injury and praying for his strong comeback.
