Salute, Rishabh, For Your Grit

Rishabh Pant displayed remarkable courage and determination by returning to the crease on the fourth day of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand.

• Scorecard

The wicketkeeper-batter, who was unable to take the field on the previous day due to swelling, joined Sarfaraz Khan at the crease with India facing a challenging deficit.

Pant, who was unable to take the field on Friday due to swelling in his injured knee, joined Sarfaraz Khan at the crease with India still trailing by 125 runs.

The 27 year old sustained a blow to the knee, an area where he had undergone multiple surgeries following a car accident, and was visibly in pain on the sidelines.

Despite the discomfort, Pant was determined to contribute to India's comeback. His right knee strapped, he took the field and faced the New Zealand bowlers. While his movements were initially cautious, Pant gradually regained his form and began to play his trademark aggressive shots.

Sarfaraz continued his impressive form, completing a magnificent maiden Test century with a well-crafted 150 from 195 balls. Pant, too, made a significant contribution, scoring a quickfire 99 from 105 balls.

Pant's courage and determination to play despite his injury were a testament to his resilience and commitment to the team.

• New Zealand's Tour Of India, 2024