India Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant claimed that the players will remember the sad Air India airline tragedy and hope to elevate the nation’s spirits with a strong performance in the upcoming Test series against England.

On June 12, an Air India flight headed for London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 passengers and crew members in one of the country’s worst aviation accidents.

“What happened in the aircraft (crash), I think the whole India was disheartened but at the same time the only thing from our side…we are going to be sticking with them, how we can make India happy again,” Pant told the reporters during his visit to Leeds.

The wicketkeeper-batsman acknowledged the intense emotions triggered by the crash and stated that the team is dedicated to providing their all for the country.

“Obviously, the emotion is going to be high because of what happened in the crash but at the same time we are going to put our best foot forward for the country, how we can make them happy and that’s an added responsibility always,” says Pant.

He emphasised that, while the Indian cricket team is anticipated to win, this is not always the case.

However, Rishabh Pant pledged that the team would do their all to make the country proud and pleased.

“You want to make India happy all the time but as a cricketer it’s not possible all the time but what I can promise from our side is we are going to put our best foot forward and we are going to give our 200% and in that process we are going to make India a lot happier place,” Pant told the media.

Pant also spoke about his vehicle accident in late 2022, expressing thanks for the affection and support he received, which inspired him to return to the field and work hard each day.

“Coming forward, the last two years have been difficult in recovering from the (vehicle) accident, but I also want to be a person who is constantly learning. After my injury, just being on the ground and convincing people that I could come back, and the love they have shown me, will always be precious to me,” he added.