ENG vs IND: ‘Rishabh Pant showed amazing courage’ – Sachin Tendulkar praises Rishabh Pant

On Thursday, July 24, Rishabh Pant delivered one of the most courageous performances of his career during the second day of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Despite battling a painful toe injury, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter showed immense grit and determination as he returned to bat for his team, winning admiration from fans and legends of the game alike. His decision to face the English bowlers under such circumstances was not just about adding runs—it was a statement of spirit, resilience, and patriotism that moved the entire cricketing world.

Pant’s injury had forced him to briefly walk off the field, raising serious concerns about whether he would be able to bat again in the innings. However, after receiving painkillers and an injection to numb the injury, the young star surprised everyone by walking back to the crease following the fall of India’s sixth wicket. The moment drew comparisons with Anil Kumble’s unforgettable 2002 heroics in Antigua, when the leg-spinner bowled with a broken jaw and even managed to dismiss Brian Lara.

Pant’s decision to return not only boosted the morale of the Indian team but also earned him widespread respect. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was one of the first to salute his brave effort. Taking to social media, Tendulkar praised Pant’s courage, calling his performance a shining example of the resilience needed to represent the country. “Resilience is playing through pain and recovering from it. Rishabh Pant showed tremendous spirit by returning to the game despite injury and performing so well. His half-century is a tremendous reminder of the grit and determination needed to represent your country. A brave effort, and one that will be remembered for a long time,” Sachin wrote.

Veteran English pacer Stuart Broad also expressed admiration for Pant, saying, “We don’t understand what Pant is going to do,” highlighting how unpredictable and impactful the Indian wicketkeeper can be. Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik echoed the sentiments of fans when he said, “I am surprised he is on the field,” emphasizing the sheer willpower it took for Pant to return. Australian great Ricky Ponting, known for his fearless batting, couldn’t resist weighing in with humor, saying, “Who says you should use your feet?” Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Atherton summed it up by calling Pant’s knock “the most remarkable half-century in these conditions.”

Pant had come to bat after India lost their sixth wicket, not waiting for the ninth to fall as many had expected. As he walked onto the field, the crowd at Old Trafford stood on their feet, applauding the vice-captain’s bravery. His presence brought renewed energy to the Indian innings. Although visibly in pain, Pant batted smartly, carefully choosing his shots and avoiding unnecessary footwork. He added 17 crucial runs to his overnight score and brought up a fighting half-century before falling to Jofra Archer for 54.

His effort played a significant role in helping India post a first-innings total of 358 runs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan also chipped in with fifties, but it was Pant’s courageous innings that stood out as the highlight of the day.

In response, England showed strong batting form as well. By the end of the second day, they had reached 225 for the loss of two wickets, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root steady at the crease. England now trail by 133 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling remainder of the Test match. But no matter how the game unfolds, Rishabh Pant’s courageous half-century will go down in cricketing history as a symbol of resilience and national pride.