One image that will endure the test of time is that of Rishabh Pant hobbling down the steps of Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium. The BCCI confirmed Pant had fractured his toe around 24 hours after suffering a strike to his right toe yesterday. The slightest movement now becomes a Herculean effort when the injury is as severe as a fracture, albeit a hairline fracture. Therefore, regardless of how dire the circumstances were for India, nobody in their wildest dreams would have anticipated Pant to take the field when play resumed on Day 2.

Even so, the Manchester crowd gave a roaring ovation when Shardul Thakur was out caught at slips for a well-crafted 41 off 88 deliveries. The reason for Pant's entry onto the field on one leg was that an Indian wicket had fallen. Additionally, the BCCI had stated that his involvement would depend on the demands of the squad, and frankly, given that India was six wickets down and the series was on the line, India needed Pant, regardless of how well he was performing.

Pant's amazing audacity will never be forgotten in history. Pant brought back memories of Antigua 2002, where Anil Kumble bowled 14 straight overs and sent Brian Lara, a threat, back to the pavilion despite having a shattered jaw. This happened after Pant had taken painkillers and had injections into his toe. What Pant accomplished here in 2025 was far from child's play. Pant displayed the bravery of a lion when he overcame discomfort to score a half-century, which required him to have the heart of a lion.

His work elicited responses from every corner of the globe. "We simply don't know what's coming from Pant," stated Stuart Broad. "I am astounded he's out there," said Dinesh Karthik, taken aback. In response to Michael Atherton's toast, "The most remarkable fifty, in the circumstances," Ricky Ponting quipped, "Who says you need to use your feet?"

The Master Blaster responds

However, the response from the guy himself is perhaps the best. The spell Pant cast on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and England prompted Sachin Tendulkar, who was in Antigua 23 years prior and witnessed Kumble's most motivational performance, to rise to his feet and salute him.

"Resilience is about pushing through discomfort and overcoming it. Rishabh Pant displayed remarkable courage by returning to the game despite his injury and playing in such a way. His fifty serves as a potent reminder of the grit and resolve required to represent your nation. It was a valiant attempt that will be remembered for a long time. Rishabh, you played well," the Master Blaster wrote on X..

Pant's heart moved not just the Master. Sanjiv Goenka, his superior at the Lucknow Super Giants, delivered his message with grace. "Talent alone is not enough. This is who you are. He said, "Greetings." Following the India wicketkeeper's injury, Goenka, who previously had his episodes with Pant during the IPL 2025, had wished him a quick recovery and prayed for his return.

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