Karnataka student was about to drop out, then Rishabh Pant paid her ₹40,000 fee

Rishabh Pant, known for his grit on the cricket field, has extended a helping hand off the pitch by paying the college fee of a student from a remote village in Karnataka.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has cleared a ₹40,000 fee for Jyoti Kanabur, a first-year degree student from Rabakavi village in Vijayapura’s Bilagi taluk, The Times of India reported.

Jyoti, who secured 83% in her PU Commerce exams, was uncertain about continuing her education due to financial constraints. Her parents, who run a small eatery in the village and earn roughly ₹15,000 a month, had borrowed ₹40,000 from locals to fund her admission.


“We are relieved that Pant has paid the entire amount,” Jyoti told TOI. She had completed her PU studies at New English PU College in nearby Galagali village.

The financial support came after the family approached Anil Hunashimatti, a local contractor and well-wisher. Having previously heard about cricketer KL Rahul helping a student in Dharwad, Hunashimatti reached out through mutual contacts, one of whom was familiar with Pant. The wicketkeeper-batter responded positively.

“Jyoti is the youngest of our four children, and the first to join a degree course,” her parents, Tirthayya and Roopa, told TOI.

Srikant Lagali, administrator at BLDE Association’s Commerce, BHS Arts and TGP Science College in Jamkhandi, where Jyoti is now enrolled, said the college discovered the dual payment during a routine audit. “During accounts verification, we found out that Jyoti had paid the fees twice, with one payment coming directly from Rishabh Pant. After speaking to Jyoti, we immediately refunded ₹40,000 to her,” Lagali told TOI.

Lagali added that the association provides free education to around 70 students every year and said they would have helped Jyoti had she approached them directly.

“Many of our students, like Chaitra Burji, Sushma Gugad and others, have represented the Indian cycling team at international events such as the Asean Games. Had Jyoti approached us, we would have waived her fees, too,” he said, adding that a thank-you note has been sent to Pant.

(With inputs from TOI)