Gautam Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, doesn’t like to talk about individual performances in team sports, not even his own. He has often been vocal about not giving credit to individuals for a team’s win.
But he is making an exception for Rishabh Pant’s brave effort which he thinks will inspire future generations. Pant hurt his foot on the first day of the 4th Test against England but came back to bat on the second day and scored a half-century.
Pant looked in a lot of pain after he was hit on his right foot. It swelled up when he inside-edged a low full toss from Chris Woakes trying a reverse-sweep. He couldn’t walk and had to be taken off the field in a buggy. Scans showed he fractured his toe, raising doubts whether he could play in the rest of the Test, let alone the England tour.
Still Pant showed a lot of courage and came out to bat on the second morning and got a big cheer from the Manchester crowd. He scored 57 before getting out.
In an emotional speech to the team, Gambhir praised Pant for inspiring the country.
This Test team will be built on what you’ve done, Rishabh, Gambhir said. I don’t like talking about individual performances. I’ve never done it in a team sport. You’ve inspired not just this team but the next generation. That’s what you’ve done.
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That’s the legacy you’ve made for yourself and everyone here. So, well done from everyone. The country is and always will be proud of you, he added.
Pant will miss the 5th Test due to the injury and N Jagadeesan has taken his place in the team.
