India head coach Gautam Gambhir said that Rishabh Pant has laid the foundation on which the character of the current Indian team will be built. He praised the Test vice-captain for returning to bat despite a fractured leg. Pant fractured his leg while batting in the first innings of the fourth Test match and retired hurt due to unbearable pain.
He batted on the second day to a rousing welcome from the Manchester crowd and scored a half-century to help India reach 358 runs. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test starting at the Oval on Thursday.
Gambhir said in the post-match press conference, “It has already been announced about Rishabh that he is out of the series. And one thing I want to say is that the character and foundation of this team will be based on what Rishabh has done for the team and the country.”
Future generations will talk about this: Gambhir
He further said, “Not many people did this earlier. And that is why I say that no matter how much praise is given… I can sit here and talk about this for hours. I think future generations will talk about this and future generations should also talk about the fact that there was someone who batted with a broken leg.”
Though Pant is officially ruled out of the rest of the series, Gambhir hoped for his speedy recovery and underlined the important role the wicketkeeper-batsman plays in India’s red-ball team. He emphasised on Pant’s importance not only for his batting but also for the overall balance he brings to the Test team.
He concluded, “But still, he is an important member of the Test team. And I hope he recovers quickly and comes back soon and tries to do well for us.”
FAQ
What did Gautam Gambhir say about Rishabh Pant?
Gautam Gambhir praised Rishabh Pant’s performance, saying that future generations will talk about his heroics in the match against England.
Which match is Gambhir referring to?
He is talking about the recent England vs India Test match where Rishabh Pant played a standout innings.
Why was Rishabh Pant’s performance so special?
Pant’s innings was fearless, match-changing, and came at a crucial moment, helping India gain control in a high-pressure situation.
What did Pant do in the match to earn such praise?
Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant and aggressive knock under pressure, showing skill, courage, and confidence, which changed the game’s momentum.
Has Gambhir praised Pant before?
Yes, Gambhir has previously acknowledged Pant’s talent but called this particular performance “once-in-a-generation” quality.
