In a display of sheer grit that left fans and legends in awe, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant defied a fractured right toe to bat on Day 2 of the Manchester Test against England, earning comparisons to Anil Kumble’s iconic broken-jaw heroics. The Old Trafford crowd erupted in a thunderous standing ovation as Pant, visibly limping, hobbled to the crease after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal, only for rain to force an early lunch.
Pant’s injury occurred on Day 1 in the 68th over when a Chris Woakes delivery struck his right foot during a reverse sweep, leaving a swelling “the size of a table tennis ball” and blood oozing. Forced to retire hurt at 37 off 48 balls, Pant was whisked off the field in an ambulance buggy. Scans confirmed a fractured fifth metatarsal, requiring at least six weeks of recovery. Yet, fueled by painkilling injections and unwavering resolve, Pant stunned everyone by returning to bat.
Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta likened Pant’s bravery to Kumble’s legendary 2002 effort in Antigua, where the spinner bowled 14 overs with a broken jaw and dismissed Brian Lara. “I didn’t think I’d see anything like Kumble’s courage again, but Rishabh Pant’s act is right up there,” Dasgupta posted on X. Ex-allrounder Yusuf Pathan echoed, “This is the fighting spirit you show for your country. Hats off, Rishabh!”
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England Cricket saluted the “classy reception” Pant received, but the BCCI confirmed he won’t keep wickets for the match, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in. Despite the pain, Pant’s decision to bat—limping through singles—cemented his reputation as a fearless warrior. Though rain cut his stint short, his 72-run stand with B. Sai Sudharsan on Day 1 kept India fighting.
Pant’s heroics have sparked a wave of admiration, proving that for some, duty to the nation trumps all—even a broken bone.
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