"Hats off to Rishabh Pant for walking out to bat"
Rishabh Pant returned to bat on Day 2 of the Manchester Test despite being ruled out of the Oval match with injury.
The India vice-captain received a loud cheer from the Old Trafford crowd as he walked back to the crease, having retired hurt on 37 the day before.
He resumed his innings after India lost their sixth wicket.
The injury occurred on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England, when Pant was struck on the foot by a full-length delivery from Chris Woakes.
He inside-edged the ball while attempting a reverse sweep and collapsed in pain.
Pant was taken off the field immediately. Footage showed the 26-year-old grimacing as he was transported from the ground on a golf buggy.
India captain Shubman Gill later visited him in the stadium’s medical facility.
Scans confirmed a fractured metatarsal in Pant’s right foot.
Despite the injury, Rishabh Pant walked out to bat, earning applause from both sets of fans.
He also received a wave of admiration on social media.
One wrote: “When you represent your country at any level, that’s the kind of courage and fighting spirit you show.
“Hats off to Rishabh Pant for walking out to bat despite the injury.”
Another fan posted: “The warrior walk by Pant.”
One user wrote: “Some losers will criticise every move to get some likes and views but those who have played any sport (at any level) will just stand up and applaud what Rishabh Pant is doing for his nation.
“He might have broken a bone but he has nerves of steel. No blow is big enough to STOP him.”
“Love him, hate him but you just can’t ignore him. Take a bow, @RishabhPant17.”
Rishabh Pant is hobbling out to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd! ? pic.twitter.com/I1vZ1MLR16
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025
While he has resumed batting, Pant would not perform wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper.
It was the second injury for Pant in consecutive Tests.
During the Lord’s fixture, he took a blow to his left index finger while keeping wicket during England’s first innings. Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps then.
Rishabh Pant’s courage to bat with an injury has become a talking point of the series.
India is currently 321-6 and rain at Old Trafford has prompted an early lunch.
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