Rishabh Pant has vented his frustration over his plastered foot and posted a photo of the same on his Instagram stories on Wednesday. Pant Pant was struck on his left foot during the first day of an epic Test match between India and England at Old Trafford. The five-match series itself has been rated as among the greatest of this century and Pant was at the forefront as India’s vice-captain and arguably their most consistent run scorer in the format going into it. He lived up to that reputation by scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test as well.
“I hate this sooo much,” said Pant in his story in a text on the picture of his plastered foot. Pant had to be taken off the field on a golf cart after suffering the injury on Day 1. In a late night meeting that day, the BCCI medical team said the wicket-keeper would need six weeks of rest. But could he just bat for this Test with the help of pain-killers, they were asked. “He could, if need be,” was the answer.
As it turned out, Pant did travel to the stadium and he hobbled his way down the steps in full batting gear as well to continue his innings after Shardul Thakur was dismissed. He had retired hurt on 37 and he ended up scoring 54 in 75 balls. Pant was hailed for his efforts in the innings. India head coach Gautam Gambhir said after the match, which India drew against all odds, that the “character and foundation of the team” will be built on what Pant did.
“Any amount of praise is not enough for him, especially batting with a broken foot,” said Gambhir. “Not many people have done that in the past, and he had put his hand up and that is why I say it. Any amount of praise [is not enough]. I can sit here and talk about this for hours and hours. I think the generations to come forward will talk about this, and generations coming forward should talk about it that there is someone who’s batted with a broken foot.
“It’s unfortunate because of the kind of form he was in, but again, he’s an important member of the Test side, and I hope he recovers quickly and comes back quickly, and try and deliver again for us,” Gambhir said.
