Rishabh Pant bats with an injured foot, and the world watched in disbelief. On Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Pant shocked everyone by walking back onto the field after suffering a painful foot injury. Just a day earlier, he had fractured his metatarsal while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. His foot swelled immediately, and medical staff rushed him off the field. Many assumed he wouldn’t return.
However, Pant had other plans. Even though he was told to take it easy for at least six weeks, he decided to get back to batting. Not only did he ignore the pain, but he also defied medical odds. Doctors confirmed that his injury would normally keep players off the field for over a month. Yet, less than 24 hours later, Pant returned to the crease limping but determined.
From the moment he stepped back on the field, his discomfort was clear. He could barely walk, let alone run between the wickets. Still, he stood tall, relied on quick hands and powerful shot selection, and played mostly from a stationary position. He went on to score 17 more runs before falling for a gritty 54. Although this wasn’t his highest score, it was undoubtedly one of his most courageous knocks.
It’s worth mentioning that Pant had already caught everyone’s attention with his impressive performances earlier in the series. But this innings was different. It wasn’t about runs alone; it was about character, resilience, and fighting spirit. His decision to bat despite the injury showed how much he valued his team and the game.
Naturally, cricket legends and fans couldn’t stop praising him. Sachin Tendulkar admired his determination, while Aakash Chopra hailed him as someone who “defeated death” and now pain. Even former cricketers and commentators called his effort “inspirational” and “heroic.” Sky Sports described it as “huge-hearted,” sparking discussions about whether cricket should review rules for injury substitutes in Test matches.
On the other hand, not everyone praised his actions. Some critics, including former England cricketer David Lloyd, accused Pant of milking the situation. Lloyd even suggested that Pant should have been timed out for taking too long to return to bat. However, such criticism didn’t overshadow the overwhelming support Pant received from across the cricketing world.
From a medical perspective, his return seemed almost impossible. A fractured metatarsal causes intense pain and limits mobility. It usually requires complete rest, sometimes even surgery. Pant received injections and painkillers to manage the discomfort, but that wasn’t enough. His mental strength carried him through the innings. Battling injury on the field isn’t new in cricket, but doing so in such a physically demanding format makes his return even more remarkable.
Furthermore, his contribution mattered. India, at one stage, seemed likely to collapse. Thanks to Pant’s efforts, they pushed their first-innings total to 358. His return stabilized the innings and allowed the team to stay competitive in the match. As he walked off at lunch, the crowd stood and applauded him. That moment captured more than just respect; it symbolized admiration for a warrior who didn’t give up.
Pant’s story reminds us that cricket isn’t only about numbers. Sometimes, it’s about grit. It’s about showing up even when your body tells you not to. He proved that true strength lies not just in physical ability, but in willpower and passion for the game.
In conclusion, Rishabh Pant bats with an injured foot, and yes, he truly batted through the pain. His innings will be remembered not for how many runs he scored, but for the heart he showed.
