Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team owner Sanjiv Goenka has lauded Rishabh Pant‘s extraordinary resilience and record-breaking performance in the recently concluded fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Despite battling a fractured toe sustained on Day 1, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter exhibited immense courage by returning to bat and scoring a crucial fifty, earning widespread praise for his commitment to the team. However, this valiant effort comes at a cost, as Pant has been officially ruled out of the upcoming fifth and final Test of the series, with a replacement already named by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rishabh Pant’s heroic resilience amidst injury and praise from LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka
Pant’s performance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford has been hailed as a testament to his fighting spirit, as he ‘battled a fractured toe’ to contribute significantly to India’s cause. The injury occurred on the opening day when Pant, then batting on 37, took a blow to his right foot while attempting a reverse sweep off England pacer Chris Woakes. Despite the severe pain and initial scans confirming a fracture, the 27-year-old bravely returned to the crease after the fall of Shardul Thakur‘s wicket, with India at 314/6, and went on to score an audacious fifty.
His remarkable resilience during this innings earned him accolades from his IPL team owner, Goenka, who lauded his efforts on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Battled a fractured toe, broke records, and stood tall for the team,’ Goenka further highlighted Pant’s impressive records achieved in the series: ‘Most runs by a keeper in a Test series in England. Most 50+ scores by a visiting keeper,’. These achievements showcased Pant’s consistent impact with the bat, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force even when playing through adversity. The LSG owner concluded his message with a heartfelt wish: ‘The fight will be remembered. Speedy recovery, champ,’.
Battled a fractured toe, broke records, and stood tall for the team.
Most runs by a keeper in a Test series in England.
Most 50+ scores by a visiting keeper.
The fight will be remembered.
Speedy recovery, champ. pic.twitter.com/ZEk3TyiC3j— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 28, 2025
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Injury forces Pant out of final Test against England with replacement announced
Despite his heroic efforts and record-breaking achievements, Pant’s fractured right foot has ultimately ruled him out of the fifth and final Test against England, set to be played at The Oval. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirmed the news in a press release, stating, “Rishabh Pant, who sustained a fracture to his right foot during the fourth Test against England in Manchester, has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the series.” The BCCI also added that its medical team would continue to monitor his progress and wished him a speedy recovery, acknowledging the significance of his contribution.
In light of Pant’s unavailability, the Men’s Selection Committee has named Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan as his replacement for the crucial series decider. This decision comes as a significant blow to the Indian team, given Pant’s exceptional form throughout the series. His absence means that Dhruv Jurel, who took over wicketkeeping duties in Manchester after Pant’s injury, is likely to continue behind the stumps for the final match. Pant’s courage to return to bat despite the severe injury will be remembered, but his forced withdrawal marks a regrettable end to an otherwise outstanding individual series for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter.
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