Rishabh Pant’s off-field heroics: Cricketer quietly helps Karnataka girl fulfil her dream

Dubai: Rishabh Pant has never shied away from a challenge. At Old Trafford, he hobbled down the stairs to bat with a fractured toe and struck a courageous half-century against England. But the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who recovered from a near-fatal car accident in 2022, is now being celebrated for a quiet act of kindness off the pitch — one that’s winning hearts across the country.

The 26-year-old recently stepped in to help Jyoti Kanaboor Math, a meritorious student from a small village in Karnataka, who was struggling to afford her college admission. Pant, known to make the difference for his team with his aggressive style of play and competitive spirit, chose to make a difference in the life of someone he had never met — without any fanfare.

Jyoti, a resident of Rabakavi village in Bagalkot district, had scored an impressive 83 per cent in her II PUC (Class 12) exams. She dreamed of pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree at BLDE College in Jamkhandi, but financial constraints stood in her way. Her father, Teerthayya Math, runs a modest tea stall in the village and could not afford the Rs40,000 needed for her first-semester fees.

Help came from an unexpected source. A local contractor, Anil Hunashikatti, was approached by Jyoti’s family with a request for assistance. Moved by her situation, he reached out to his network of friends in Bengaluru — one of whom happened to be close to Rishabh Pant.

Upon hearing about the girl’s plight, Pant did not hesitate. On July 17, in the middle of one of the most hard-fought series against England following the loss at Lord’s, he quietly transferred the full amount directly to the college’s account, enabling Jyoti to secure her admission in time.

“I had completed my II PUC in Galagali and had a dream of joining the BCA programme. But our financial condition at home was not good,” Jyoti later said. “When I explained my situation to Anil anna (brother), he contacted his friends who spoke to Rishabh Pant. I still can’t believe that someone like him came forward to help me.”

Her gratitude extended beyond the financial support. “May God bless Rishabh Pant with good health,” she added. “His help means a lot to me. I hope he continues to support students from poor backgrounds like me.”

The gesture has earned widespread praise across social media, with many lauding Pant for his humility and compassion. Pant made no public announcement of the donation, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.

It’s a poignant turn in the journey of a cricketer who has endured both fame and misfortune at a young age. In December 2022, Pant suffered multiple injuries in a devastating road accident and spent over a year away from cricket, undergoing surgeries and rehabilitation. His return to form — and to the Indian team — has been marked by characteristic fearlessness, but also a visible maturity.

His gesture toward Jyoti, say observers, reflects a growing awareness of his role as a public figure and mentor. While Pant’s return to the playing XI has been lauded for its impact, especially during the ongoing England series, this off-field act might prove just as enduring in the hearts of fans.

— With inputs from IANS