Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir have seemingly put to rest all speculations of a rift between them as they were caught sharing a hearty laugh in the Lord’s dressing room during the ongoing third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The moment came on Day 2 of the match between India and England, just before Pant walked out to bat. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter and India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen smiling and cracking jokes on the Lord’s balcony, a visual that has since gone viral on social media.
Rift Rumors Began at Headingley
The buzz around a possible tension between Pant and Gambhir began during the Headingley Test, when Gambhir—when asked about Pant’s twin centuries—snapped at a reporter for not mentioning the other Indian centurions. His blunt reply stirred fans into believing that all was not well between the vice-captain and the coach.
The exchange was widely shared and interpreted as a sign of internal discord, especially given Gambhir’s reputation for blunt assessments and Pant’s rising stature in the team.
Laughter Ends the Speculation
All doubts were erased on Friday when Pant, despite a sore index finger, was seen joking and laughing alongside Gambhir inside the dressing room. Just before walking in to bat at No. 5, Pant lightened the mood with his coach, a clear sign of harmony and camaraderie.
The video clip, now viral, has been well-received by Indian fans who were previously concerned about internal tension affecting team dynamics.
Pant’s Injury and BCCI Update
Pant had earlier walked off the field on Day 1 after injuring his left index finger while trying to collect a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. Substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel took over behind the stumps.
The BCCI issued an official update before play on Day 2:
“Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the hit on his left index finger. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor his progress. Dhruv Jurel will continue to keep wickets on Day 2.”
Despite the injury, Pant resumed batting duties, showcasing resilience and commitment as he partnered with KL Rahul to stabilize India’s innings.
Day 2 Match Snapshot
- England First Innings: 387 all out
- Joe Root: 131
- Jasprit Bumrah: 5/61
- India at Stumps Day 2: 145/3
- KL Rahul: 53*
- Rishabh Pant: 19*
- Trail by: 242 runs
Final Word
With smiles shared and performance delivered, Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir have put an end to any gossip, letting their bond—and India’s on-field fightback—do the talking.
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