The nation was disheartened by Air India crash but we will look to make it happy again: Rishabh Pant

Published - 18 Jun 2025, 22:54 IST | Updated - 18 Jun 2025, 23:12 IST

India Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant stated that the players will keep the tragic Air India plane crash in mind and aim to uplift the nation’s mood with an outstanding performance in the upcoming Test series against England.

On June 12, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take off, resulting in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members in one of the most devastating accidents in the country’s aviation history.

“What happened in the aircraft (crash), I think the whole India was disheartened but at the same time the only thing from our side…we are going to be sticking with them, how we can make India happy again," Pant said to the media in Leeds.

The wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged the strong emotions caused by the crash and affirmed that the team is committed to giving their best for the country.

“Obviously, the emotion is going to be high because of what happened in the crash but at the same time we are going to put our best foot forward for the country, how we can make them happy and that’s an added responsibility always," Pant added.

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He emphasized that while the Indian cricket team is always expected to win, it is not always possible. But, Pant promised that the team would give their all to make the country proud and happy.

“You want to make India happy all the time but as a cricketer it’s not possible all the time but what I can promise from our side is we are going to put our best foot forward and we are going to give our 200% and in that process we are going to make India a lot happier place," Pant said.

Pant also reflected on his car accident in late 2022, expressing gratitude for the support and love he received, which motivated him to return to the field and work hard every day.

“Coming forward, the last two years have been tough coming back from the (car) accident but at the same time I want to be an individual who is learning each and every day. See for me after my accident just being on the ground and making people believe that I can come back and the kind of love they have shown me, it’s always going to be special for me," he concluded.