As the highly anticipated fifth Test between India and England in Manchester draws near, the buzz around Rishabh Pant’s potential return to the playing XI has caught fire — and surprisingly, it’s not just Indian fans hoping for his comeback. A growing number of English cricket pundits and former players are openly rooting for Pant to feature in the final showdown, believing his presence would add fireworks to an already electrifying series.

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Pant, who has been recovering from his horrific car accident in late 2022, made a spectacular comeback in the 2024 IPL and has since shown glimpses of his old self in domestic cricket. His match-winning abilities, flamboyant shot-making, and sheer unpredictability make him a fan-favourite — even across enemy lines.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said on a talk show, “Cricket needs characters like Rishabh Pant. He’s the kind of player who makes you stop what you’re doing to watch the game. If he’s fit, I hope he plays — because Manchester deserves a blockbuster.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Nasser Hussain remarked that Pant’s fearless brand of cricket brings out the best in both teams. “It’s not just about India. England loves a challenge, and Pant walking out with that cheeky grin, reverse-scooping Jimmy Anderson — that’s the kind of drama you live for in a Test match,” he said on Sky Sports.

India, leading the series 2-1, could be tempted to include Pant if he clears the final fitness test. While KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel have admirably held the fort behind the stumps, Pant’s X-factor — especially in crunch moments — is unrivalled. His memorable innings in past overseas Tests, particularly at the Gabba and at The Oval, have made him a symbol of India’s new fearless Test identity.

Whether he dons the gloves again in Manchester remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: even England wants Pant back — not just for the cricket, but for the theatre he brings with it.