Ahmedabad crash left India saddened, will try to make nation happy: Rishabh Pant
India wicketkeeper-batter and newly appointed Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has said the team is determined to bring some joy to the country following the devastating airplane crash in Ahmedabad. Pant addressed the media ahead of India's first Test against England at Headingley, beginning June 20.The country is still reeling from the Air India tragedy on June 13, when a London-bound Boeing flight crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, claiming 275 lives—including passengers, crew, and the flight captain. Speaking in Leeds on June 18, Pant acknowledged the emotional toll the crash has taken and said the team wants to do its part in lifting the nation's spirits through strong performances on the field.advertisement"See, what happened in the aircraft—I think the whole of India were saddened, disheartened. At the same time, the only thing from our side is, we are going to be sticking to them how we can make India happy again. Obviously, emotions are going to be high because of what happened in the crash. But at the same time, we want to put our best foot forward for the country," Pant said.
The crash also led to the postponement of the unveiling of the newly renamed Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy—formerly the Pataudi Trophy—by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The ceremony, originally scheduled for June 14, has been pushed back out of respect for the tragedy which also involved the loss of British nationals onboard the flight to London.Pant has stepped into a leadership role along with new Test captain Shubman Gill. With senior figures Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket before the squad was announced, Pant's experience in English conditions becomes even more crucial for a relatively young and fresh side.During the pre-match press conference, Pant also confirmed key batting positions for the opening Test. Gill will take up the No.4 spot, while Pant himself will bat at No.5. With the series set to usher in a new era for Indian Test cricket, the team will be eager to begin on a winning note—and offer the nation a reason to smile during difficult times.
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