And finally, India’s X-factor is back! Rishabh Pant’s return to the cricket field is a story of utmost determination. After a horrific car accident in December 2022 that threatened his career, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper finally donned the Indian jersey on Saturday. The occasion was India’s only warm-up game for the T20 World Cup 2024, against Bangladesh.
True fighter – Rishabh Pant
The 524-day gap between his last international appearance and this one signifies the immense struggle Pant has overcome. The accident left him with multiple injuries, and regaining fitness was a monumental task. In interviews, Pant himself has spoken about the depths of his recovery, revealing that he couldn’t even walk for months after the accident.
However, Pant’s fighting spirit shone through. He underwent rigorous rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and made a remarkable comeback in the recently concluded IPL 2024. His performances for the Delhi Capitals (DC), where he not only emerged as DC’s top scorer, but convinced the selectors of his return to form. The southpaw hammered 446 runs at a strike rate of 155.40 and at an average of 40.54.
Pant’s return is a major boost for the Indian team as they head into the T20 World Cup. His explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills were sorely missed during his absence. Pant will slot in the middle-order for Rohit Sharma and co. and will be one to watch out for in the upcoming weeks.
