Guts, Grit, and a Glimpse of Classic Pant: A Fiery Knock Ends in Heartbreak at Lord’s

There’s rarely a quiet moment when Rishabh Pant is on the field — and Day 3 at Lord’s was no different. The India vice-captain brought not just runs but energy, character, and a bit of cheek to the third Test against England. Whether it was his audacious strokeplay or the sharp exchanges picked up on the stump mic, Pant was in his element — until a moment of misjudgment cut his fighting innings short.
With India chasing England’s imposing first-innings score of 387, Pant walked in under pressure and in pain. Nursing an injured finger — hurt while keeping wickets the day before — he gritted through the discomfort to score a crucial 74 off 112 balls. But even with a strapped hand and regular visits from the physio, Pant never lost his edge.
He built a crucial 141-run stand with KL Rahul, mixing patience with bursts of aggression. He smashed Archer with a trademark flick, launched Bashir over the sightscreen, and pulled Stokes for a towering six to bring up his half-century. It was vintage Pant — bold, brave, and always looking to shift momentum.
But the day wasn’t just about the bat. Pant also found time for a bit of banter. After a slow patch in his innings, England’s Ben Duckett tried to poke him with a jab:
Duckett: “Just batting for the draw?”
Pant: “Same like you.”
The light-hearted exchange continued, but it was clear Pant was focused, not rattled.