India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently shared his harrowing experience following a life-altering accident in December 2022. While driving home to Roorkee, his car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, resulting in multiple injuries that necessitated immediate medical attention.
Initially treated in Dehradun, Pant was subsequently airlifted to Mumbai, where he underwent surgery and embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation journey. Speaking on the JioCinema show ‘Dhawan Karenge’, hosted by fellow cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, Pant emphasized the importance of self-belief and confidence during the recovery process amidst the myriad of opinions surrounding him.
“The accident was a life-changing experience for me. When I got up after it, I wasn’t even sure if I would be alive, but God was very kind to save me,” Rishabh Pant recounted, reflecting on the gravity of the incident and the subsequent uncertainty it brought.
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During his recovery, Rishabh Pant faced daunting challenges, enduring significant pain and limitations in daily activities. He candidly admitted to feeling nervous about encountering people while navigating the airport in a wheelchair, underscoring the profound impact the accident had on his physical and emotional well-being.
Rishabh Pant said – “I couldn’t go to the airport because I was nervous about facing people in a wheelchair. I couldn’t even brush my teeth for two months, and for six to seven months, I suffered unbearable pain”. (On his accident). pic.twitter.com/krjC0NDrjm
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 28, 2024
Despite the arduous journey, Rishabh Pant staged a remarkable comeback during the recent IPL 2024 season, captaining Delhi Capitals and amassing 446 runs from 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 155.40. His resurgence on the cricket field symbolized a triumph over adversity and a testament to his resilience.
“Now that I’m making a comeback in cricket, more than feeling pressure, I’m excited. I feel this is kind of a second life, so I’m excited but also nervous,” Rishabh Pant expressed, acknowledging the significance of his return to the sport following his ordeal.
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As part of India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Pant embarked on a new chapter, joining his teammates for the tournament co-hosted by the USA and the Caribbean. With anticipation building, India is set to face Bangladesh in a warm-up match before their tournament opener against Ireland on June 5th, marking Pant’s journey from adversity to opportunity on the global stage.
