'Was Rishabh Pant's act of courage reminiscent of Anil Kumble?'

Manchester, July 24 (NationPress) In a remarkable display of bravery, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who suffered an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, made a bold decision to bat on Day 2 with a fractured right toe, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd at Old Trafford on Thursday.

After Shardul Thakur was dismissed by Ben Stokes for 41, Pant was spotted slowly making his way down the stairs, greeted by thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the Manchester audience, despite his visible limp.

Clearly in pain, Pant struggled to complete his runs. Just minutes after his arrival, rain interrupted play, leading to an early lunch at Old Trafford.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta praised Pant's gallant effort, likening it to the legendary moment when former India coach and iconic spinner Anil Kumble bowled with a broken jaw against the West Indies in 2002.

Kumble, who was struck by Merv Dillon and spat blood, continued to play for another 20 minutes. With his face bandaged, he went on to bowl 14 consecutive overs and took the wicket of Brian Lara while nursing his injury.

"I had witnessed Anil Kumble come out to bowl with a broken jaw in Antigua, and I never thought I would see anything like that again. However, this act of courage by Rishabh Pant is right up there. Just Rishabh being Rishabh," Dasgupta posted on X.

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan commended Pant's determination to bat, calling him a true fighter. "Rishabh Pant, you fighter," he shared on X.

Ex-India allrounder Yusuf Pathan remarked, "When you represent your country at any level, that’s the kind of courage and fighting spirit you exhibit. Hats off to Rishabh Pant for stepping up to bat despite his injury."

"Here comes Rishabh Pant... A classy reception from the Emirates Old Trafford crowd," posted England Cricket on X.

However, the BCCI announced that Pant will not continue as wicketkeeper for the remainder of the match, with Dhruv Jurel taking over the role.

Earlier on Thursday, IANS reported that Pant insisted on batting for India in the ongoing match, despite enduring significant pain and receiving numerous injections in his injured right foot.

Pant's injury occurred in the 68th over of India’s innings on Day 1 when he attempted a premeditated reverse sweep off seam bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes, resulting in the ball striking his right boot after an inside edge.

With swelling resembling a table tennis ball on the top of his foot and some bleeding, Pant was unable to put any weight on the injured foot. Eventually, he was taken off the field in an ambulance buggy, having retired hurt on 37 off 48 balls, after contributing to a partnership of 72 runs with B. Sai Sudharsan.

Scans later confirmed that Pant suffered a fracture on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, with a recovery period estimated at a minimum of six weeks. Yet, Pant defied all odds, putting his body on the line for his country.