There was immense joy among fans as star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, marked his highly anticipated comeback to batting on Tuesday, August 15. Pant had been out of action since December 2022 due to a serious car accident. He made his return during a practice match at JSW Vijaynagar. A fan shared a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showcasing Pant’s signature shot hit towards the mid-wicket region during his innings. The video quickly gained widespread attention, captivating fans and generating a lot of excitement. Watch the video below.
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Continuing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Rishabh Pant’s progress took a positive turn. The BCCI’s latest official announcement on July 21 confirmed that the Indian cricket sensation had started participating in batting sessions as well as wicketkeeping practice. Fans shared more glimpses of Pant’s batting prowess through several video clips across social media platforms.
Fans’ reactions to Rishabh Pant’s six
After undergoing ligament surgery earlier this year due to a car crash, Rishabh Pant’s recovery path involves a tailored fitness regimen comprising strength, flexibility, and running, as disclosed by the BCCI. His absence left a significant void in the Indian team, impacting various formats, notably Test cricket. This gap was initially filled by KS Bharat and subsequently Ishan Kishan. Pant’s non-presence was especially felt during the World Test Championship final, where India’s title aspirations were thwarted by Australia.
With the focus now shifting to the upcoming World Cup in the One Day International (ODI) format, KL Rahul is poised to take up the role of the primary wicketkeeper-batsman. Although Rahul’s skills and experience offer reassurance, Ishan Kishan’s presence as the backup keeper underscores the team’s depth in this department.
Ishan displayed promise during the recent ODI series against West Indies, hitting half-centuries in all three matches. While fans anticipate Pant’s eventual comeback, India’s aspiration to break their disappointing streak in ICC tournaments hinges on the combined efforts of Rahul and Ishan. India is also set to participate in the Asia Cup, commencing against Pakistan on September 2. The availability of Rahul, who is also in recovery mode after a hamstring injury, for this continental tournament is yet to be confirmed.
