Rishabh Pant, one of India’s standout players in the ongoing Test series against England, delivered more than just runs in Manchester—he delivered heart. Despite a fractured toe that sidelined him from the field on Day 5, the 26-year-old cricketer turned up at Old Trafford on crutches, ready to bat if needed.
It wasn’t just symbolic. It was a statement. India needed a draw to stay alive in the series. And Pant, battered but unbowed, stood by just in case things went south.
Pant’s Message: “Let’s Do It for the Country”
After helping India secure a tense draw in the fourth Test, Pant’s injury ruled him out of the final clash at The Oval. But before heading home, he had one last word for his teammates.
“The only message I’m going to give my team is, let’s win it, guys. Let’s do it for the country.”
His words were short, simple, and full of emotion. And after the scenes in Manchester, the squad felt them loud and clear.
Pant scored 54 valuable runs in the first innings despite limping through most of it. The crowd rose for him. And rightly so. That half-century mattered.
This was no ordinary knock. This was grit laced with painkillers.
“Whatever It Takes”: Pant Puts Team Before Self
Pant’s injury could have kept him out of the spotlight, but instead, it brought out his spirit.
“Just a gesture from my side,” Pant said of his decision to come to the ground on crutches. “Whatever it takes to make our team win or put the team forward instead of thinking about the personal goal, that was all for me.”
It was vintage Pant—honest, passionate, and selfless.
He also thanked Indian fans for their overwhelming support through social media and in the stadium. The moment he walked out to bat after the injury, chants of “Rishabh, Rishabh!” echoed across Old Trafford.
The Void Pant Leaves Behind
Pant has been India’s third-highest run-getter in this hard-fought series. With 479 runs from four matches, he averages an impressive 68.42, including two centuries and three fifties.
That’s not easy to replace.
His runs often came in pressure situations—when the top order stumbled or when India needed acceleration. His presence at the crease has been a safety valve for India, especially in foreign conditions.
And now, going into the final Test at The Oval with the series at 2-1 in England’s favor, India will miss him—badly.
Here’s a quick look at Pant’s numbers this series:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 |
| Runs Scored | 479 |
| Batting Average | 68.42 |
| Centuries | 2 |
| Fifties | 3 |
Jagadeesan Gets His Moment
With Pant ruled out, selectors have turned to Tamil Nadu’s Narayan Jagadeesan for backup.
It’s a big moment for the 29-year-old, who’s been piling up runs in domestic cricket for years. This is his first Test call-up, and it comes with a chance to potentially debut on a big stage.
He joins Dhruv Jurel as one of two specialist wicketkeepers in India’s squad for the final match.
Jagadeesan’s numbers in First-Class cricket speak volumes:
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3,373 runs from 79 innings
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Average of 47.50
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10 centuries and 14 half-centuries
He may not have Pant’s flair, but the man knows how to stay at the crease and score runs. And at The Oval, that might be just what India needs.
A Final Test With Emotions Running High
The Oval Test now carries more than just cricketing significance. It’s about finishing a tough series on a high. It’s about carrying forward the spirit Pant showed. And maybe, it’s about answering his simple request—“Let’s win it.”
The team’s morale has clearly been touched by Pant’s gesture. Rohit Sharma was seen patting his back warmly as he left the ground. Rahul Dravid, who rarely shows emotion, clapped from the dressing room balcony when Pant took the field injured.
