A day after being forced to retire in agony, Rishabh Pant demonstrated sheer courage and grit that illuminated Old Trafford. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who had retired hurt on Day 1 of the fourth Test following a painful blow on his right foot off Chris Woakes sharp yorker, emerged to bat on Day 2. The Manchester crowd accorded him a standing ovation as he trudged out to the crease. Pant had scored 37 runs before being struck by a sharp delivery from Chris Woakes while trying to perform a reverse sweep. The ball hit his right foot, and he was writhing in immense pain. He had to be taken out from the field on a mobile ambulance, and scans subsequently confirmed a fracture in his toe. Most believed that the 27-year-old would not participate further in the match. However, during the first session of Day 2, BCCI made it clear that Rishabh Pant will not keep the wickets, but he will come out to bat if team requires. His requirement arrived soon after the Tweet by BCCI and in a courageous attempt, Pant came back to bat after Shardul Thakur's fall on Day 2. Though Pant sported a protective moon boot outside the field and was no longer able to keep wickets, with Dhruv Jurel replacing him, Pant chose to battle on with the bat to support his team in this crucial match at Old Trafford. The packed crowd at Old Trafford stood and applauded as Pant emerged, appreciating the spirit it took to bat with a broken toe. Not just Indian, but global cricket fans and experts appreciated him for so much courage in a match where India is 1-2 down in the series. Also Read | Watch: What are they applying to the ball? Jaiswal Reacts to Carse’s Swinging Delivery Watch the video here: 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙩. 𝙂𝙪𝙩𝙨. 𝙂𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!When Old Trafford stood up to applaud a brave Rishabh Pant 🙌 🫡#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/nxT2xZp134 — BCCI (@BCCI) July 24, 2025 Rishabh Pant is hobbling out to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/I1vZ1MLR16 — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2025 Rishabh Pant's choice to bat, even though limping and hobbling, demonstrated his fighting spirit and gained respect from team members, fans, and cricket enthusiasts around the globe. Three over after Pant made it to the ground to bat again, the game was interrupted due to rain which forced an early Lunch on Day 2. At the end of first session, India is at 321 at the loss of six wickets and they will aim to add some quick runs in the next sessions. Post Lunch, team India and their fans will hope for Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar to build a solid partnership and take their side to a substantial total in the first innings of this match.