Ben Stokes came charging in, hoping to break Rishabh Pant’s gritty stand, but the Indian wicketkeeper-batter had other plans. On a day where he wasn’t at his flamboyant best, Pant still managed to deliver a moment of brilliance. Battling through pain with an injured finger, he brought up a resilient half-century with a shot that was vintage Pant — a six.
The delivery was short and angling in towards his body, not an easy ball to put away, especially for someone nursing an injury. But Pant, known for his fearless approach, quickly got inside the line of the ball and executed a brilliant hook shot. The timing was crisp, the placement perfect — the ball soared over the long leg boundary, leaving the fielder as nothing more than a spectator.
Despite the discomfort, Pant’s body language after the shot showed calm confidence. There was no extravagant celebration, just a gentle raise of the bat to acknowledge the applause from the dressing room and the crowd. It was a subtle yet powerful gesture from a player who has built his reputation on audacity and flair.
This knock might not have had the fireworks of some of Pant’s previous innings, but it was rich in character. Every run came with effort, and every stroke was measured with caution and courage. It was a subdued fifty, but in many ways, one of his more mature and responsible efforts given the situation.
Half century 50 in style for Rishabh Pant. India 215 for 3 down. #INDvsENG #INDvsENG3rdTest pic.twitter.com/8MyGU1oAkA
— Long off (@almostgenz) July 12, 2025
Injury or not, Pant continues to be India’s x-factor — capable of changing the course of a match with a single over. His ability to fight through pain and still play impactful cricket speaks volumes about his mental strength. This half-century, sealed with a signature six, was another reminder of why he’s one of India’s most valuable Test assets.