Let’s win it, guys. Let’s do it for the country: Pant’s emotional message before starting rehab

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant, ruled out of the decisive fifth Test at The Oval due to a fractured right foot, shared an emotional message as he prepared to begin his rehab journey.

The injury, sustained when a Chris Woakes yorker struck him during the first innings of the fourth Test in Manchester, forced Pant to retire hurt. However, showcasing immense grit, the 26-year-old returned the next day to complete a courageous half-century despite the pain.

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“Appreciate all the love and good wishes coming my way. It’s been a real source of strength. I will begin rehab once my fracture heals and I am slowly settling into the process. Staying patient, following the routines, and giving it my 100 per cent. Playing for the country has always been the proudest moment of my life. Can’t wait to be back doing what I love,” Pant posted on social media.

Pant’s fighting spirit, reflected in his willingness to continue batting through injury, was echoed in his message to the team. He urged his teammates to go all out in the final Test to level the five-match series 2-2, with England currently leading 2-1.

“Just a gesture from my side. Whatever it takes to make our team win or put the team forward instead of thinking about the personal goal, that was all for me,” he said, recalling his effort at Old Trafford.

Praising the collective effort that helped India secure a draw in the fourth Test, with centuries from skipper Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, and a gritty 90 from KL Rahul, Pant added, “Definitely, it’s been amazing the way they backed me. The team is under pressure. Everything is there, but when the whole country stands behind you for the same cause, that is something. That emotion is difficult to explain, how proud I feel to represent my country.”

As a parting note, Pant delivered a rousing message to the team: “The only message I’m going to give my team is, let’s win it, guys. Let’s do it for the country.”

In his absence, Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan has been added to the squad and is likely to serve as backup to Dhruv Jurel, who is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in the series finale.