India all-rounder Shardul Thakur praised Rishabh Pant’s courage after the wicketkeeper-batter returned to bat with a fractured foot during Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test against England. The southpaw’s gritty 54 off 75 balls played a crucial role in taking India to 358 in the first innings.
Pant’s injury occurred late on Day 1 when he attempted a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes. The ball struck his right foot as he got injured. After on-field treatment, he was helped off by medical staff and did not return for the remainder of the day. There were serious doubts over his availability for the rest of the innings.
However, in a brave call, Rishabh Pant decided to resume his innings on Day 2 despite clear discomfort. Walking in after the dismissal of Shardul Thakur, he resumed from his overnight score of 37 and went on to complete a half-century, which helped India’s cause.
Also read: Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Pant Hits Half-Century With Injured Toe As He Bats Again
Shardul Thakur Opens Up on Rishabh Pant’s Heroics with Fractured Foot at Old Trafford
After the end of play, Shardul opened up about the team’s decision to send Pant back out to bat. He also reflected on the wicket-keeper’s high pain threshold and passion for the team.
"I think it was always our plan (to try and bring Pant to the middle). There were quite a few efforts from the medical team. So, yes, kudos to them," Shardul said as quoted in the press conference at the end of Day 2.
"They could get Rishabh back onto the field. He could bat there for a while. And whatever he did, it's of course vital runs for the team he scored. And yes, he was in a lot of pain. And we have seen him doing a lot of amazing things. And this was just another amazing thing that he did for the team today," he added.
Shardul also recalled iconic moments of players batting through injury and said Pant’s effort reminded him of Graeme Smith’s heroics for South Africa.
"Everyone was very excited to see how he would approach for his innings. And I think what he showed today, the passion he showed for the team is unmatched. We have seen a lot of instances in the past when they have batted with fractures."
"I think there was a time when Graeme Smith was batting in the South African team. His hand was fractured. So, in these moments, the grit of the player comes into play. And I think Rishabh's positivity and his grit keeps him away from all the pains and whatever pain he has. His pain-bearing capacity is very high. If he is in pain, it is a big injury," Shardul stated.
"There Is a Fracture" - Shardul Thakur Confirms Severity of Rishabh Pant’s Injury
Shedding more light on the incident, Shardul revealed that Pant was not even present during the team’s morning warm-ups and did not travel on the team bus to the ground.
"That is his call and medical team's call. In the morning we thought maybe he will be able to bat. Earlier, I had to touch his feet and see if he was able to walk properly. If he is able to walk properly, then we can talk about batting. When we reached the ground and were warming up, he was not there. And then I went for batting. I don't know what happened after that."
He also confirmed that Pant’s injury is serious.
"If he is able to walk properly, then we can talk about batting and when we reached the ground and got warmed up, he was not there and then I went for batting. I don't know what happened after that and I think there is a fracture. The news is already out. There is a fracture and it can't be doubted," Shardul concluded.
Meanwhile, reports are coming that Pant has been ruled out of action for six weeks. N Jagadeesan is likely to be added to squad for the fifth Test as his replacement.
