Rishabh Pant’s return to the cricketing arena following a harrowing near-death experience in a December 2022 road accident has become a focal point of anticipation for fans ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Reflecting on the traumatic incident, Pant shared his sentiments on the Star Sports series ‘Believe’, revealing the gravity of the situation. “First time in my life, I felt like my time in this world is up,” he recounted. Despite the severity of his injuries, Pant expressed gratitude for narrowly escaping a more dire outcome.
His determination to expedite the recovery process underscores his resilience. “I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover, he said it would take 16-18 months. I knew I had to work hard to cut this recovery time,” Pant remarked, highlighting his commitment to overcoming adversity.
However, former India pacer Zaheer Khan’s remarks about Pant’s potential exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad despite stellar IPL performances indicate the challenges ahead. Khan emphasized the demanding nature of elite-level cricket and the necessity for Pant to regain form and rhythm.
As Pant embarks on his journey back to full fitness and form, his story serves as a testament to human perseverance and the unwavering spirit of athletes in the face of adversity. The cricketing community eagerly awaits his return to the pitch, hopeful for his triumphant resurgence in the sport he loves.
