Five cricketing heroes who continued playing despite being seriously injured ft. Rishabh Pant
Being an elite-level sportsman is not always merely about talent; it is about having the mental toughness to fight through some adverse times. Cricketers have often defied the odds to make comebacks from unlikely situations, and also carry on through some tough times. Apart from mental toughness, cricketers also need to be physically very tough and resolute to play at the highest level. Very often, cricketers play through minor injuries and niggles, carrying through for the sake of their country.
Trudging through the pain, here’s a look at five champion cricketers who continued playing despite being seriously injured:
1. Rishabh Pant, 2025
In an extraordinary display of daring and courage, Rishabh Pant hobbled onto the pitch in Manchester on day two of the fourth Test despite having a fractured toe. The previous evening, Rishabh Pant had been struck by a Chris Woakes yorker and had to be taken off the field in a buggy.
Reports soon emerged that Pant had a fractured foot, and many expected him to be nowhere near the field on the next day. However, when Shardul Thakur’s wicket fell, the Manchester crowd were shocked to see a hobbling Rishabh Pant walk out to the middle. He got a standing ovation from the crowd and managed to get to a fifty while practically batting with one leg.
2. Anil Kumble, 2002
Another Indian who is remembered fondly to this day for his act of bravery is Anil Kumble. Fondly nicknamed Jumbo, the tall leg spinner was left with a broken jaw by Mervyn Dillon while batting and had to go off retired. Many expected that to be the end of Kumble’s series; however, he shocked the whole world by walking out to bowl the next day with heavy strapping on his jaw and face. In an inspiring act of bravery, Kumble ended up bowling 14 overs on the day, getting the wicket of Brian Lara as well. His efforts ensured that India drew that Test match. Kumble immediately flew back to Bangalore and underwent surgery after the match ended, but his bravery made him immortal.
3. Graeme Smith, 2009
South Africa’s long-serving captain Graeme Smith has been an epitome of leadership for his country, often leading from the front. The biggest example of it was in a Test in Sydney in 2009 against Australia, where Graeme Smith was struck on the hand while trying to defend a Mitchell Johnson bouncer.
However, with the game entering the final hour of play and South Africa down to nine wickets, Graeme Smith was seen walking out to bat despite having a broken hand. He batted with one hand while trying to save a Test match for his nation. While South Africa weren’t able to avoid defending in that final, Smith’s perseverance earned him applause from the whole cricketing world.
4. Shane Watson, 2019
In the 2019 IPL final, Chennai Super Kings were chasing a target of 150 against Mumbai Indians. Shane Watson was their lone warrior as he kept losing wickets around him, but he continued to play a valiant knock. While diving to complete a run, Watson grazed his left knee, and blood was pouring out of the open wound. However, after some basic first aid, Watson continued to bat with a visibly bloody knee, as he top-scored for CSK with 80. He unfortunately couldn’t be on the winning side as MI won by just one run, but Watson’s bravery was applauded by all.
5. Nathan Lyon, 2023
While playing in the Lord’s Test of the 2023 Ashes, Nathan Lyon injured his right calf while attempting a catch in the first innings. He was wincing in pain and was immediately stretchered off the field. Many expected that to be the final contribution of the veteran Aussie spinner, but Lyon surprised the whole cricketing world the next day.
With Australia nine down for 264 runs, Nathan Lyon hobbled out to bat while being visibly injured. He had to be helped out of the long room and limped towards the pitch. Unable to run, Lyon stayed in his crease and scored a boundary, as Australia added 11 valuable runs for that final wicket. Lyon’s heroics motivated the Australian team, that won that Test match by 43 runs.
