There are moments in cricket that go beyond just stats and scoreboards. Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford gave fans one such scene.
Rishabh Pant, visibly limping from a painful toe injury, walked out to bat when most thought he was done for the match. His return was just emotional and it turned into a statement of pure fight and pride.
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With India trying to build a strong first-innings total, Pant’s bravery at the crease was hard to ignore. While the crowd gave him a standing ovation, even England players couldn’t help but show their respect.
Rishabh Pant’s walk to the crease move fans and players
Pant got injured on Day 1 when he missed a Chris Woakes yorker while attempting a reverse sweep. He went down in visible pain, clutching his foot, and had to leave the field for scans.
The blow looked serious enough to rule him out of the Test. But on July 24 (Day 2), to everyone’s surprise, Pant walked out to bat after Shardul Thakur was dismissed.
The crowd at Old Trafford rose to their feet. Fans were cheering not for a fifty or a century but for the simple act of walking out injured, putting country above pain.
That kind of bravery is rare and it didn't go unnoticed. England’s Ben Stokes, who was bowling at the time, looked directly at Pant’s injured foot and gave a quiet, admiring nod.
And later, Joe Root too offered his own gesture of appreciation, patting Pant on the back after the innings.
How did Pant perform despite injury and what was Root’s reaction?
Pant may have been in pain, but his intent was sharp. He hit 54 runs off 75 balls, including a big six off Jofra Archer and a couple of clever boundaries.
He had earlier retired hurt at 37, but came back in tough conditions to finish what he started. It was his 19th Test fifty, but more than the milestone, it was his courage that stole the show.
England bowled well, especially Stokes, who took 5/72, but even their best efforts couldn't keep Pant from contributing. Running between the wickets was clearly a struggle, yet he pushed through.
Joe Root later acknowledged the knock and made sure to recognise Pant’s effort. India ended their first innings with 358 runs, and Pant’s 54 proved to be an important part of that.