Media365
NEW DELHI: India’s stylish opener KL Rahul shared a heartwarming tribute on Instagram for close friend Rishabh Pant and England’s veteran pacer Chris Woakes, applauding both for redefining the standards of the game through their remarkable commitment and willingness to battle through pain for their countries.Rahul posted a collage featuring Pant and Woakes bravely stepping up to bat in critical moments and captioned it: “Warriors. Defining courage and love for this sport.”
Pant, India’s vice-captain, shrugged off a finger injury concern from the third Test and walked in to bat under overcast skies in Manchester during the fourth Test. In the 68th over on Day 1, he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes and took a painful blow to the foot.
His foot swelled instantly, and blood was visible as he removed his boot. Clearly in agony, Pant retired hurt on 37 off 54 balls and had to leave the field on a golf buggy.But on Day 2, with India struggling at 314/6, Pant stunned everyone. With a heavily bandaged foot, the southpaw returned to bat, drawing a loud ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. He kissed the ground, soaked in the atmosphere, and soon began entertaining with his trademark flair.Pant smashed his 90th Test six — equalling Virender Sehwag’s record as India’s highest six-hitter in the format — and followed it with a crisp boundary to complete a gritty half-century. His valiant knock ended on 54 (75) when Jofra Archer sent his off-stump cartwheeling with a lethal delivery.
In the fifth and final Test at The Oval, it was Chris Woakes who displayed similar grit. He injured his left shoulder on Day 1 while diving to stop a boundary. Three days later, with England just 17 runs away from chasing down 374 and down to their last wicket, Woakes emerged from the dressing room with his left arm in a sling, tucked under his jumper, to join Gus Atkinson at the crease.Though he didn’t face a ball, Woakes ran between the wickets in visible pain, grimacing with each effort. His brave stand ended when Mohammed Siraj bowled Atkinson, sealing India’s dramatic six-run win.
