Many questioned if Rishabh Pant will even bat when the second day of the Manchester Test got underway. However, on Thursday, July 24, the Indian wicketkeeper not only came out to bat but also displayed remarkable skill to smash a heroic half-century.
The entire nation paused to praise Pant’s performance for his valiant attempts. On day two of the Manchester Test, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur provided insight into Pant’s valiant efforts by claiming that the medical staff was constantly attempting to send him out to bat in the middle.
“I believe that trying to get Pant to agree was always part of our strategy. The medical staff made a number of attempts. In the press conference held after the event, Shardul stated, “So, yeah, congrats to them.”
“Rishabh could return to the field thanks to them. He may spend some time batting there. Whatever he did, the runs he scored were obviously crucial for the squad.
Indeed, he was in a great deal of agony. And we’ve witnessed him accomplish a number of incredible feats. Shardul continued, “And this was just another incredible thing that he did for the team today.”
Shardul went one step further and likened Pant’s efforts to those of Graeme Smith, the legendary batsman from the previous era who faced Australia despite having a damaged hand.
“Everyone eagerly anticipated his approach to his innings. And I believe that his enthusiasm for the squad today is unparalleled. They have batted with fractures on numerous occasions in the past.
“I believe that Graeme Smith batted for the South African team at one point. He had a fractured hand. Thus, the player’s fortitude is put to the test in these situations.
And I believe that Rishabh’s perseverance and optimism shield him from all of his suffering. He has a very high pain threshold. It’s a serious injury if he’s in pain,” Thakur remarked.
The all-rounder did, however, deliver an update that should worry Indian supporters: Pant has a fractured foot, which could prevent him from playing the rest of the five-match Test series.
If he can walk correctly, we can discuss batting. However, he wasn’t there when we arrived to the ground and warmed up, so I went to bat. I believe there is a fracture, but I’m not sure what transpired after that. The news has already been released. It is undeniable that there is a fracture,” he said.
India
