Ex-Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar showered accolades on India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant after the wicketkeeper-batter showed sheer bravery by coming out to bat on the second day of the fourth Test against England even though he was nursing a fractured right foot.
Manjrekar described the act as "historic," drawing parallels with legendary acts of valour in cricket, and said that it would be remembered for the next 50 years.
Pant, who retired injured on the first day because of a fractured fifth metatarsal, made a dramatic comeback to the crease to a thunderous standing ovation. Grappling with apparent pain, he chipped in a heroic 54 off 75 balls—his 18th Test half-century.
Looking back at the cliffhanger moment, Manjrekar expressed his shock on JioHotstar, stating,
"When we saw Rishabh Pant talking to Gautam Gambhir in his whites, we thought that he could bat a bit later in the innings. But to walk out straight away after the next wicket fell — that was shocking. He's injured, but never write him off."
He went on,
Even if he's ever instructed he can't move his feet, his hand-eye coordination is so great, he'll still be able to target bowlers. England needs to worry that Pant is back, regardless of pain." This was entirely his choice — he made the decision to go out there and play."
Manjrekar compared Pant's dedication to classic moments in cricket history, saying,
"Seeing things like this — it makes you think of Anil Kumble bowling with a jaw fracture. These are the sort of moments that get etched in cricket history for generations to come. Pant's desperation to play for India is palpable, particularly in Test cricket, and more so in England."
He also referred to Pant's deep emotional attachment to Test cricket:
"There's something unique about the format, particularly in England. The respect and attention a player receives here is unparalleled. Maybe this is why he hasn't achieved as much in white-ball formats — because he's very committed to leaving his mark in Tests."
India's first innings was supported not only by Pant's valiant knock, but also by stellar effort from B Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who accumulated 61 and 58 runs each. The visitors scored a sturdy 358 to the board.
Commenting on the team's performance in general, Manjrekar said,
“This is a story I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Without senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, and missing two key batters, this young Indian side has still managed to face almost 750 overs in the series. That’s phenomenal.”
He concluded with admiration for the new-look squad: Considering all this little experience, this group has shown terrific temperament and discipline. It speaks volumes of their hunger, maturity, and the awesome self-confidence they possess.
Read also| Karun Nair Criticized Ahead of India-England 4th Test: ‘Not Expected from a No. 3’
