After getting injured on Day 1 of the Old Trafford test, Pant was partially ruled out
Charismatic, flamboyant, unconventional, and dangerous are some words that one can write to praise Rishabh Pant. Unfortunately, despite his prowess with the bat and gloves, it seems cricket wishes to take a break from Pant. Maybe it is because of his risky, uncalculated, and untimed shots that cricket wants him to learn a lesson. That is why an injury has partially sidelined Rishabh from the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Although he will be available for batting, wicket-taking responsibility will be carried by Dhruv Jurel.
Attempting to hit a reverse sweep off a Chris Woakes delivery, the shot went untimed because it hit Pant’s toe at an immense pace. The player immediately left the pitch and hit the ground. After physios checked his condition, he had to be taken off the field, as Pant could not even limp properly. Reports suggested that he needs six weeks to recover. However, hours later, it was announced that he would bat for the team but not act as the wicketkeeper.
(Credit- NDTV Sports)
This incident provides us with the opportunity to recall some of Pant’s injury history, which has put him on the sidelines on occasion.
His toe injury isn’t the only injury Pant sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. On Day 1 of the Lord’s test, Pant sustained a finger injury while diving, which required him to be taken off the field as a precautionary measure. Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the team’s wicketkeeper. While Pant was said to miss the match, he displayed great determination and batted in both innings.
During the first match of the 2024 India versus New Zealand Test series, played in Bengaluru, Pant suffered a knee injury. The delivery hit him on the exact spot of the knee where he had undergone surgery after his life-threatening car accident. Fortunately, the injury did not sideline Pant, and he scored a valiant 99 in the second innings of that game.
(Credit- ESPN Cricinfo)
Off the field, Rishabh Pant had a horrible accident in December 2022, which kept him away from cricket for over two years—635 days of recovery, to be precise. The youngster scripted one of the greatest comebacks in modern-day sports. According to the doctors, his recovery was still progressing faster than initially anticipated. Pant made his comeback to cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League as its most expensive player with a price tag of INR 26.75 crore.
Rishabh Pant had also suffered a hamstring injury during the 2020 Indian Premier League. Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Pant had taken a catch against the Rajasthan Royals, but during the catch, his hamstring was pulled. The injury kept him on the sidelines for a week.
Pant has suffered multiple times, on some occasions, because of his own unorthodox moves. He has also gallantly made comebacks, but fans firmly hope that Pant starts taking fewer risks, not only for himself but also for the sake of the team, as has been pointed out by several pundits.
