Gautam Gambhir is not someone who easily hands out praise. Especially not to individuals. For him, the team always comes first. He has never been a fan of hero worship or fan culture. But after what Rishabh Pant did at Old Trafford, even the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, had to pause and acknowledge something truly special.
Rishabh Pant, who played through a painful foot injury, scored a brave half-century in the fourth Test against England. It wasn’t just any knock; it was one that added strength to India’s first innings total of 358 and lifted the entire team’s spirit. It also turned out to be his final contribution in this series, as the injury has now ruled him out of the remainder of the matches.
Gautam Gambhir reserves highest respect for Rishabh Pant
In a video released by the BCCI, Gautam Gambhir said, “The foundation of this Test team will be based on what Rishabh has done for the team. I hate talking about individuals; I have never spoken about individuals in a team sport. You have not only inspired this dressing room, but you have inspired the next generation.”
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Gautam Gambhir further said, “This is what you have done, and that is a legacy that you have created for yourself and everyone in this dressing room. So very, very well done from everyone. And the country will always be proud of you.”
During the game, Pant got hurt and retired and made his way back to the dressing room. However, after the fall of a few wickets, he still came out to bat, despite limping and clearly being in pain. He wasn’t thinking of personal milestones. He just wanted to do what he could to help the team. That mindset showed in everything he did on the field.
Speaking after the game, Pant said, “It has been amazing the way they have backed me. The team is under pressure; everything is there, but when the whole country stands behind you for the same cause, that is something; that emotion is difficult to explain. How proud I feel to represent my country. The only message I am going to give my team is, Let us win it, guys. Let us do it for the country.”
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Those words came straight from the heart, and the fans could feel it. Pant’s fifty might not go down as his highest score, but it is one of the most memorable ones of his career because the Old Trafford crowd gave him a standing ovation when he made his way back to the dressing room after getting dismissed for 54. His teammates stood up and applauded him for the courage.
He wasn’t supposed to bat. The physio had advised against it. But Pant was determined. He padded up anyway. He walked out, took guard, and stood tall on one good foot.
Sadly, the injury worsened after the innings. Scans revealed he wouldn’t be able to take any further part in the series. The selectors named Tamil Nadu’s Narayan Jagadeesan as his replacement. But for those who witnessed what Pant did, his presence will still loom large in that dressing room.
In today’s world, where social media and personal brands often take centre stage, Pant reminded everyone what it truly means to wear the India jersey, which is to fight through pain and to give everything you have, just for your team.
Meanwhile, the fourth Test ended in a draw, with England leading the series by 2-1. The fifth and final test is scheduled to begin on July 31, Thursday, at Kennington Oval, London. The visitors will be looking forward to giving absolutely everything in the final game in a bid to level the series.
