The proprietor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad, Sanjiv Goenka, has commended Rishabh Pant‘s extraordinary strength and landmark-setting display in the recently completed fourth Test against England at the iconic Lord’s. Despite grappling with a fractured toe, an injury suffered on the initial day, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter displayed remarkable fortitude by returning to the batting crease and achieving a vital half-century, garnering widespread recognition for his dedication to the squad. Nevertheless, this valiant endeavor comes at a cost, as Pant has been formally excluded from participating in the forthcoming fifth and conclusive Test of the series, with a substitute already designated 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 showing in the fourth Test at Lord’s has been acclaimed as a symbol of his unwavering determination, as he ‘combated a fractured toe’ to play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s prospects. The injury arose on the initial day when Pant, who was batting on 37 at the time, sustained a blow to his right foot while attempting to execute a reverse sweep off England’s premier bowler, James Anderson. Despite the intense discomfort and preliminary assessments confirming a fracture, the 26-year-old bravely resumed his position at the batting crease following the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja‘s wicket, with India at 314/6, and proceeded to notch up an impressive half-century.
His notable resilience during this innings secured him recognition from his IPL squad owner, Goenka, who praised his efforts on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Fought through a fractured toe, surpassed milestones, and stood firm for the team,’ Goenka further emphasized Pant’s remarkable records achieved in the series: ‘Highest number of runs by a wicket-keeper in a Test series held in England. The most instances of surpassing 50 runs by an overseas wicket-keeper,’. These feats highlighted Pant’s consistent influence with the willow, cementing his status as a significant force even when contending with adversity. The LSG owner concluded his message with a sincere wish: ‘This display of resilience will be etched in memory. Wishing you a swift recovery, champion,’.
Fought through a fractured toe, surpassed milestones, and stood firm for the team.
Highest number of runs by a wicket-keeper in a Test series held in England.
The most instances of surpassing 50 runs by an overseas wicket-keeper.
This display of resilience will be etched in memory.
Wishing you a swift recovery, champion. pic.twitter.com/ZEk3TyiC3j— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 28, 2025
Injury forces Pant out of final Test against England with replacement announced
Despite his courageous efforts and record-setting accomplishments, Pant’s fractured right foot has inevitably sidelined him from the fifth and final Test against England, scheduled to take place at the Kennington Oval. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally validated the news in an official announcement, stating, “Rishabh Pant, who sustained a fracture to his right foot during the fourth Test against England in London, has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the series.” The BCCI further mentioned that its medical team would persist in monitoring his advancement and expressed wishes for his rapid recuperation, recognizing the importance of his contribution.
Considering Pant’s unavailability, the Men’s Selection Committee has designated Karnataka’s K. S. Bharat as his substitute for the crucial series conclusion. This determination represents a substantial setback to the Indian squad, particularly given Pant’s exceptional performance throughout the series. His absence implies that Ishan Kishan, who assumed wicketkeeping responsibilities in London following Pant’s injury, is anticipated to continue behind the stumps for the final match. Pant’s bravery to return to bat despite the considerable injury will be remembered, but his forced withdrawal signifies an unfortunate conclusion to an otherwise remarkable individual series for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter.
