Rishabh Pant made headlines and became an inspiration for many as he stepped onto the field after a horrific car accident on 30th December 2022. It took more than 15 months for him to return to the field. He was added straightaway into the T20 World Cup 2024 squad after a good show in IPL 2024 as well and as India won the trophy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded his comeback and recalled the dreadful moments as well.

However, the Indian team reached Delhi on July 4 after becoming champion in Barbados on June 29 as well. They met with PM Modi and during the talk, PM asked Pant about his second innings after the accident. Pant mentioned that the PM called his mother during the tough times and the latter shared that he even asked the doctors whether the cricketer needs to travel abroad for better treatment as well.

“Your journey of recovery was difficult. I used to see your (social media) posts, showing you have done this much on this day and this much the next day. First I had discussed with the doctors and took their opinion before speaking to your mother. I told them if he (Pant) needs treatment outside India, please take him and do that. It’s amazing that your mother had the confidence. I felt a person who has such a mother will never fail. I had that opinion and you showed that to the world,” said PM as quoted by The Week.

“When I spoke to you, you said it (the accident) was your fault. That is a big thing, you did not give an excuse, like there was a ditch etc. It was your openness. I take note of small things in life and learn from others. You will inspire the people of India,” he further added.

However, Rishabh Pant was key during the league stages of the tournament as the batter produced a match-winning knock against arch-rivals Pakistan as well. He scored an important 42 runs and scored 171 in the tournament batting at number three. However, the batter looked out of touch in the knockout scoring four and a duck in the semifinal and final respectively as well.