IND Vs ENG Test Series: Gautam Gambhir Praises Rishabh Pant's Valiant Effort – Watch

Rishabh Pant’s valiant half-century with a fractured toe might be his final act in the ongoing Test series against England, but the legacy he leaves behind will be remembered as one of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who has now been ruled out due to a foot injury, was lauded by head coach Gautam Gambhir and teammates alike for his resilience and commitment to the team.

Pant, despite struggling with visible pain, walked out to bat in the first innings and crafted a crucial half-century that helped India post a total of 358. It wasn’t just an innings—it was a statement.

Gautam Gambhir, not known for indulging in individual praise, couldn’t hold back his admiration. Speaking in a video released by the BCCI, the head coach said:

“The foundation of this Test team will be based on what Rishabh has done for the team. I hate talking about individuals; I have never spoken about individuals in a team sport. You have not only inspired this dressing room, but you have inspired the next generation.This is what you have done, and that is a legacy which you have created for yourself and everyone in this dressing room. So very, very well done from everyone. And the country will always be proud of you.”

Pant, emotional yet composed, responded with humility, saying his only goal was to serve the team and the country.

“It has been amazing the way they have backed me. The team is under pressure, everything is there, but when the whole country stands behind you for the same cause, that is something, that emotion is difficult to explain.How proud I feel to represent my country. The only message I am going to give my team is, Let us win it, guys. Let us do it for the country.”

All-rounder Washington Sundar, who batted alongside Pant and witnessed his grit firsthand, was moved by his teammate’s pain and determination.

“It is very difficult to even put in the feeling that he would be going through in words because he has fractured his toe, and he is in pain no matter what. I even saw his foot; it was swollen badly. So I think for him to even walk around actually takes a lot, but he did a lot more than that.I think the whole country is proud of him, and he is just the son of a country, I would say.”

Pant leaves the series with stellar numbers: 479 runs in four matches, averaging 68.42, with two centuries and three fifties at a remarkable strike rate of over 77. His highest score was 134, and his twin tons at Leeds made him the first Indian to do so in a Test.

He also surpassed MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, further cementing his status as the best wicketkeeper-batter from Asia in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).