Picture Credit: X/@BCCI
On Sunday, July 27 the fourth Test of the five-match series between England and India culminated at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. After being put to bat first by England, India were seen struggling in majority of the fourth Test. While they posted 358 runs on the board, the Indian bowlers found it hard to restrict English side and the latter eventually posted a lead of 311 runs in their first innings.
Eventually, after two quick fall of wickets, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja fought hard and played determined knocks to help settle for a draw. In the entire Test, star Indian wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant stole the limelight as he walked out to bat despite fracturing his foot.
Gautam Gambhir hails Pant during dressing room speech; latter shares his parting message
While he was set to come out to bat in the second innings if required, but the middle-order did sufficient in the Manchester Test to take the game into a draw. Pant’s fighting knock of 54 with his fracture foot even earned him accolades at the Emirates Old Trafford and as even the spectators rose to their feet to hail the 27-year-old.
Speaking inside the dressing room, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir began, “The foundation of this Test team will be based on what Rishabh you have done. I hate talking about individuals, I've never spoken about individuals in a team sport. You have not only inspired this dressing room, but you've inspired the next generation. This is what you've done and that is the legacy which you have created yourself and for everyone in this dressing room.”
“Very very well done from everyone and the country will always be proud,” he further added. Meanwhile, India's last-minute centurion, Washington Sundar was also in awe of Pant's brave approach, as he said, “It's very difficult to even put in the feeling he would be going through in words, because he's fractured his toe and he is in pain. When I saw his foot, it was swollen really badly. I think for him to even walking around takes a lot, but he did a lot more than that. The whole country is proud of him and he is just the son of our country.”
In the end, the video featured Rishabh Pant, who expressed himself stating, “Just a gesture from my side. Whatever it takes to make our team win or put the team forward, instead of thinking about the personal goal that was all.” In the end, Pant shared a message for his compatriots, concluding, “The only message I'm gonna give my team is, let's win it guys.”
With the series currently standing 2-1 in favour of England, India will aim to bounce back in style and put up a performance of the ages to draw the entire series as they next lock horns in the fifth and final Test, set to be played from July 31 at the Kennington Oval in London.
