Former India coach Ravi Shastri described Rishabh Pant’s recovery from a life-threatening car accident as nothing short of a “miracle.” Shastri revealed that when he visited Pant in the hospital shortly after the incident, he was deeply uncertain about the young cricketer’s future in the game.
“Honestly, if you had seen him, you wouldn’t have believed he’d play cricket again,” Ravi Shastri shared in an interview with *news.com.au*. “I’ll never forget it. He was in terrible shape—battered, bruised, and scarred all over. He had undergone a major operation and had stitches everywhere. From that state, to simply recover and walk, let alone play cricket, was extraordinary.”
Rishabh Pant, however, defied all odds. His comeback journey began in white-ball cricket during the IPL, followed by a return to red-ball cricket via the Duleep Trophy. He recently played a pivotal role in India’s Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
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“He’s achieved something remarkable,” Ravi Shastri added. “To recover, then go on to be part of a World Cup-winning team and play Test cricket again, is a testament to his determination and hard work.”
Rishabh Pant’s performances have also been noteworthy, averaging 62 on two tours of Australia. Shastri emphasized that the Australian team now views him as a formidable opponent. “Returning to Australia in form, as someone the Australians fear, is something unimaginable considering where he was months ago,” he said.
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Reflecting on Pant’s mindset post-accident, Ravi Shastri observed, “He values the game even more now. He was at rock bottom, and this second chance has only fueled his respect for cricket. Over the past few months, I’ve seen him work incredibly hard to get back in shape for Test cricket.”
Pant’s accident in December 2022 could have been fatal if not for his quick thinking and the help of good Samaritans. While driving from New Delhi to his hometown Roorkee, Pant broke the car’s windshield to escape the wreckage, showcasing remarkable presence of mind in a dire situation.
