Rishab Pant's courageous act with the willow in the recently concluded Manchester Test compelled Gautam Gambhir to issue a remark that many would deem as highly uncharacteristic of him. The Indian head coach usually refrains from talking about individual performances and often stresses the importance of performing as a team. But Pant's valiant effort, despite suffering a horrendous injury to his foot, made him deviate from his long-standing notion of the game.

Rishab Pant broke his foot while batting on the first day of the 4th Test while attempting an ambitious reverse-sweep against Chris Woakes, but returned to bat on the second day and scored a half-century. According to Gambhir, Pant has inspired the upcoming generation of cricketers by taking the field, and he believes that his selfless act has further redefined his mental toughness as a cricketer. 

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Gambhir thanks Pant for inspiring the nation

Gambhir's remarks came to light in a stirring dressing room conversation, where he highlighted how his valiant effort has made him lead by example. 

“The foundation of this Test team will be based on what Rishabh you’ve done for this team," Pant said. “I hate talking about individuals. I’ve never spoken about individuals in a team sport. You’ve not only inspired this dressing room, but you’ve inspired the next generation. This is what you’ve done."

After sustaining an injury, Pant was immediately escorted off the ground in a golf-style buggy for further examination of his injury. Upon closer evaluation, it was discovered that the extent of Pant's injury was quite severe. Once the word circulated, very few had expected him to take the field on day two. But when wickets started to tumble, Pant made a surprise return and proved everyone wrong by walking in to bat again on day two. He continued to battle it out before being cleaned up by Archer on 54. 

On the back of three centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, India were able to salvage a draw from a very unlikely situation. Thankfully, Pant did not have to bat again in the second innings, but he will not be seen in action going forward as he has been ruled out for the fifth Test. He has been replaced by N Jagadeesan in the squad.