It has been 356 days since Rishabh Pant last graced the cricket field for India. The Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur marked his last appearance before a devastating car crash on December 30, 2022, thrust his promising career into the realm of uncertainty. The aftermath of the accident led Pant to undergo surgeries for ligament tears in his right knee, setting the stage for a prolonged absence from the cricketing arena.
The injuries, including cuts on the forehead, bruises on the back, and damage to the ankle, sustained in the car crash on NH-58, left the young cricketer grappling with a challenging recovery journey. While his teammates actively participated in bilateral fixtures, IPL 2023, WTC Final, Asia Cup, and the ODI World Cup, Pant took tentative steps towards regaining match fitness under the vigilant guidance of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
From entering the NCA on crutches to progressing steadily along the recovery curve, Pant has covered significant ground, and indications are that he may return to full fitness around the time of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Close observers of his rehabilitation note that crucial aspects of his recovery, particularly ankle and knee engagement – vital for a wicketkeeper – have shown promising signs. Sit-up drills behind the stumps have provided encouraging feedback.
ALSO READ: IPL Enters Decacorn Club: Brand Value Surpasses $10 Billion, Cementing Global Dominance
According to a source familiar with the developments, “Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point, and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping.”
View this post on Instagram
In recent weeks, Pant has engaged in afternoon sessions at the NCA, under the guidance of specialists. The regimen includes running at “80-90% intensity” and release sessions with the physio, marking a gradual escalation of physical activity. As the recovery progresses, running at 100% intensity is slated to commence in the coming week.
The NCA is pleased with Pant’s progress, hinting at a potential return to match fitness during the England Test series. However, caution is likely to prevail, mirroring the approach adopted during the recovery of players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Lauds Rohit Sharma’s MI Captaincy Career
“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. The manner in which both NCA and BCCI handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant,” notes the source.
View this post on Instagram
From the moment of the accident to the ongoing rehabilitation at the NCA, the BCCI, particularly Secretary Jay Shah, has taken a proactive role in managing the delicate situation. Air ambulance arrangements, surgery at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, and continuous monitoring by the BCCI medical team underscore the commitment to Pant’s well-being.
The NCA, led by VVS Laxman, Dr. Nitin Patel, and a team of physios and conditioning coaches, has played a pivotal role in steering Pant’s recovery journey. From discarding crutches to walking without a limp, climbing stairs, lateral movements, running, and weightlifting, Pant has demonstrated remarkable progress.
“Bouncing back with one rep at a time,” read Pant’s caption in a December 5 social media post. The explosive left-handed batter is making a triumphant return from the unknown, and the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the day when he resumes doing what he does best – entertaining with the bat and delivering witty one-liners from behind the stumps.
