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The drama at Old Trafford on Day 2 of the fourth Test between England and India reached an emotional peak when Rishabh Pant, despite a fractured toe, walked in to bat. Having been struck on the right foot on Day 1, Pant was later diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his fifth metatarsal, a serious injury that makes even walking excruciatingly difficult.
Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional tribute to Rishabh Pant’s gutsy innings
With the series hanging in the balance and India reeling at six wickets down, the team was desperate for a miracle. No one expected Pant to return. But as Shardul Thakur fell for a resilient 41, Pant stunned the crowd, limping down the stairs, visibly in pain but determined to stand tall for his country. As Pant hobbled onto the field, the Old Trafford crowd stood up in appreciation. But the most heartfelt tribute came from none other than the cricketing legend himself, Sachin Tendulkar.
Watching Pant battle through pain and discomfort, Tendulkar took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it. Rishabh Pant showed tremendous character by walking back into the game with an injury and delivering a performance like that. His fifty is a powerful reminder of the grit and determination it takes to represent your country. A brave effort, and one that will be remembered for a long time. Well played, Rishabh,” These words reflected what every Indian cricket follower felt witnessing that courageous act.
Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it.@RishabhPant17 showed tremendous character by walking back into the game with an injury and delivering a performance like that.
His fifty is a powerful reminder of the grit and determination it takes to represent… pic.twitter.com/OJ7amt9OAa
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 24, 2025
Pant’s painstaking fifty in Manchester Test and a knock for the ages
Despite his visible struggle to run and his inability to put weight on his foot, Pant anchored the lower-middle order and played with remarkable restraint. Usually known for his flamboyance, he showed maturity and composure, valuing every run while protecting his wicket. His 54-run innings wasn’t just about runs, it was a statement of bravery, commitment, and an unshakeable will to fight. India, thanks to his gritty knock, finished with 358 on the board. Pant’s pain-wracked innings wasn’t just statistical, it was symbolic. It signified what it truly means to wear the Indian cap, to fight when your team needs you the most, and to push your physical limits for national pride. It was a defining cricketing moment, and rightly, a knock that Sachin Tendulkar and millions across the globe will never forget.
Also WATCH: ENG vs IND: Ben Duckett grabs a sensational diving catch to remove Shardul Thakur on Day 2 of second Test
