Watch: Rishabh Pant bravely arrives to bat despite toe fracture, earns standing ovation | Cricket News
A day after being forced off the field in visible pain, Rishabh Pant scripted a moment of resilience and spirit that lit up Old Trafford. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who had retired hurt on Day 1 of the fourth Test after a brutal blow to the foot, walked out to bat on Day 2 — greeted by a rousing standing ovation from the Manchester crowd. Pant, who had scored a fluent 37 before a Chris Woakes delivery struck his right foot during a reverse sweep attempt, was visibly in distress and had to be taken off the field on a mobile ambulance. Initial scans had revealed a mild compound fracture in Pant’s right foot — the suspected cause of the bleeding and swelling that forced him to retire hurt on Wednesday. However, in a gutsy show of determination, Pant returned to the crease after the dismissal of Shardul Thakur on Day 2. With a protective moon boot worn while off the field and no longer able to keep wickets for the rest of the match — BCCI confirmed that Dhruv Jurel would take over the gloves — Pant’s return was purely about contributing with the bat, regardless of his limitations. As he emerged from the dressing room, a packed Old Trafford crowd rose to applaud the effort. Cheers echoed around the ground, with several fans on their feet, recognising the determination it took for Pant to resume batting with a fractured toe in a series India trail 1-2.
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His decision to bat in the crucial Test despite his injury is a testament to Pant’s warrior spirit. Pant, limping and fighting, drew admiration not just from his teammates but from a fans online and across the globe.In another moment of respect, Shardul Thakur, who was dismissed, waited patiently on the ground, not crossing the boundary rope for Pant to come down the stairs hopping.Earlier, BCCI had confirmed that Pant will come out to bat if needed, creating a buzz on social media among fans. While Pant’s brave act of limping out to bat in the 1st session made headlines, all eyes will be on the 27-year-old and Washington Sundar, who are tasked with the duty of getting India to a substantial total.Pant’s injury woes however, remain a concern for India, as the wicketkeeper-batter earlier injured his finger in the 3rd Test, handing keeping duties to Jurel.
