ENG vs IND 2025: 'Showing the courage to bat with a fractured foot proved Rishabh Pant can be trusted as a leader for years to come' - Hemang Badani

Rishabh Pant showed a tremendous display of grit and determination on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, as he limped out to bat with a fractured foot. The 27-year-old had suffered the injury on the first day of the Test match as he tried to hit Chris Woakes for a reverse sweep but got hit straight on his right foot. He had to be taken off the field immediately.

However, after Shardul Thakur was dismissed in the 102nd over of India's first innings on Day 2, Pant gingerly made his way to the middle, as the crowd gave him a warm reception for his bravery. The wicketkeeper-batter resumed his innings at 37 and went on to score a half-century. He was eventually dismissed for 54 off 75 balls, and his innings helped India post a 350-plus total.

Former India cricketer and Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani appreciated Pant's courage and said that the Indian vice-captain showed exemplary leadership qualities.

"You can’t help but commend him for his courage, the guy couldn’t even stand properly the day before. A golf buggy had to come and take him off the field. Battling through a fractured foot is not easy, especially when the weight of your body is on that foot," Badani said during a discussion on Sony Sports.

"This was not just about being a normal player. Pant showed that he’s someone who can lead in the future, he’s the vice-captain for now, but you can see the mental strength he possesses. This moment proved he can be trusted as a leader for years to come," he added.

This is the kind of leader India will need in the future: Badani

Badani said that Pant's resilient outing was not just about the number of runs he scored. It was an emodiment of will power and a never-say-die attitude while playing for the nation.

"It was a moment of real leadership. He’s telling his team that he’s ready to fight, to put himself out there, and that he’s not afraid of challenges. This is the kind of leader India will need in the future," Badani mentioned.

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The BCCI has already confirmed that Pant will only play as a batter in the fourth Test. Dhruv Jurel will be stepping up in the wicketkeeper's role yet again.