Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stated that it was Rishabh Pant’s personal decision to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England, despite having fractured his right foot the day before. He rejected out the notion that head coach Gautam Gambhir or captain Shubman Gill encouraged Pant to play under such conditions.

Pant injured himself on Day 1 while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes’ yorker-length delivery. The ball impacted his foot, inflicting significant pain. He was then carried off the pitch and sent to a hospital for scans. Medical reports reportedly recommended a six-week recuperation period, thereby ruling him out of the contest.

Despite the advise and his physical discomfort, Pant returned to bat following Shardul Thakur’s dismissal during the first session of Day 2. He went on to score a gritty half-century, helping India reach 350 runs. Manjrekar stated that when film showed Pant in the dressing room conversing with Gambhir, he felt Pant would be the penultimate batter, if at all. He acknowledged to being astonished when Pant walked out immediately following Thakur’s dismissal.