India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hailed Rishabh Pant for his half-century despite a foot injury in the dressing room after the fourth test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Rishabh Pant has suffered from a fractured toe while batting after being hit by a yorker from Chris Woakes. He was carted off the ground and taken to the hospital for a medical scan, where he was advised to rest for six weeks of rest, and was eventually ruled out of the fifth test.

On day 02, Pant hobbled down the Old Trafford stairs, where he got an ovation from the fans. He limped to the crease and went on to add 17 runs to score 50, which put a solid foundation for India to pull a draw in Manchester.

In a video shared on the official ‘Indian Cricket Team’ Instagram page, Gambhir praised Pant’s act.

“The foundation of this Test team will be based on what Rishabh has done for this team. I hate talking about individuals. I have never spoken about individuals in a team sport. You have not only inspired this dressing room, but the next generation.”

“This is what you have done and the legacy you have created for yourself and for everyone in this dressing room. So very well done, and the country will always be proud of you,” said Gautam Gambhir.

Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the final test match against England as the selectors picked N Jagadeeshan as his replacement, although Dhruv Jurel will likely fill in the spot in the playing Xl for the match at The Oval.

Ahead of the fifth test, Pant shared a message to his teammates saying to do it for the country.

“The only message I’m going to give my team is, let’s win it, guys. Let’s do it for the country. 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.”

“Definitely, it’s been amazing the way they backed me. The team is under pressure. Everything is there, but when the whole country stand behind you for the same cause, that is something. That emotion is difficult to explain, how proud I feel to represent my country,” he said.

England leads the series 2-1 by the end of fourth test and the final test will be played between July 31 and August 04 at The Kennington Oval.