Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant faced a harrowing ordeal on December 30, 2022, when he was involved in a terrifying car accident. The vehicle he was in caught fire, but fortunately, the quick actions of local bystanders saved the 26-year-old cricketer from a potentially fatal outcome.
Despite escaping the blaze, Pant suffered extensive injuries to his head, back, and feet, including a ligament tear in his right knee and multiple lacerations across his body. Immediately after the accident, Pant was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he began a rigorous regimen of rehabilitation and training.
Now, after months of dedication and hard work, he is poised to make his comeback to professional cricket in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reflecting on the traumatic incident, Pant revealed that he had feared for his life and was told by doctors that his recovery could take 16-18 months.
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“In that moment, I felt as though my time in this world was over. The injuries were severe, but I consider myself fortunate that the situation wasn’t worse. It felt like someone was watching over me. When the doctor mentioned the lengthy recovery period, I knew I had to push myself to shorten that timeline,” Rishabh Pant shared in a heartfelt video released by Star Sports.
Rishabh Pant’s Perseverance Through Adversity & Road To Recovery
Watch as he narrates and describes his journey towards glory, for the FIRST TIME!
Thu 1st Feb, 7 PM and 10 PM, and on Fri 2nd Feb, 10:15 PM – and LIVE on 1st Feb at 7:30 PM on our YouTube channel! pic.twitter.com/rXJTwd36vb
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 29, 2024
During his recovery, Pant spent extensive time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), with the support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which provided financial assistance and ensured his well-being throughout the process. Although he recently reunited with the Indian team during their T20I series against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, Pant is still working to regain full fitness.
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Looking ahead to the IPL, Pant is slated to lead the Delhi Capitals but will likely feature as an Impact sub, refraining from wicketkeeping duties as he continues his journey back to peak physical condition. Despite the challenges he has faced, Pant’s determination and resilience stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.
