Rishabh Pant's unwavering commitment to the Indian cricket team was recently highlighted by former head coach Ravi Shastri, revealing a conversation that underscored the young wicketkeeper-batter's resilience and dedication. The incident occurred ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, a match already fraught with tension due to Pant's finger injury sustained during the third Test at Lord's.
Shastri, concerned about Pant's condition, directly questioned him about the severity of the injury. "Before this Test, I asked him 'how is the finger? Is it broken? Will you play this game?'" Shastri recounted. Pant's response was immediate and resolute: "Of course, I will play. Toota bhi ho, toh khelta (I would have played even if it was broken)". This exchange, revealed by Shastri in a video released by the BCCI, encapsulates Pant's fighting spirit and his willingness to put the team's needs above his personal discomfort.
The context of this conversation is significant. Pant had injured his finger during the Lord's Test, leading to doubts about his availability and role in the subsequent match. Despite the injury, he managed to bat, but concerns lingered about his ability to keep wickets and the potential impact on his overall performance. India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, had confirmed that Pant would undergo tests before the Manchester game to assess his batting fitness. The team was particularly wary of repeating the situation from the Lord's Test, where Dhruv Jurel had to step in as a substitute keeper mid-innings.
Shastri, however, adopted a firm stance, asserting that Pant should only play if he was fully fit to keep wickets. He cautioned against playing Pant solely as a batter, emphasizing that fielding without gloves could worsen the injury. "I don't think he should go in as a specialist batter if he can't keep because he will have to field, and if he fields, that will be worse," Shastri stated. He also raised concerns about the unavailability of a substitute keeper if Pant started the Test without being fully fit to keep.
Adding to the drama, Pant sustained a further injury during the fourth Test, this time to his toe. He was hit on his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep, forcing him to retire hurt on the first day. Scans later revealed a fracture, casting further doubt on his participation in the remainder of the series. Despite the pain and the fracture, Pant returned to bat on Day 2, displaying remarkable courage and scoring a crucial 54 runs. His innings, characterized by resilience and determination, helped India reach a competitive total.
Shastri lauded Pant's bravery and commitment, emphasizing the impact of his innings on the team's morale. "For him to come back and do what he did, was something special," Shastri said. He noted that Pant's actions demonstrated his love for Test cricket and his unwavering dedication to the team. Shastri's observations were echoed by other members of the Indian cricket fraternity, who praised Pant's extraordinary effort and his willingness to battle through pain for the sake of the team.
Rishabh Pant's willingness to play even with a potentially broken finger, followed by his courageous batting display despite a fractured toe, exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the Indian cricket team. His actions serve as an inspiration and highlight the qualities of resilience, dedication, and team spirit that define a true sportsman.
