Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was running out of cricket due to injuries caused by a car accident in December 2022, is set to make a comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. The 26-year-old cricketer, who is on the path to recovery, recently shared insights into the incident. He also spoke out about his emotions in a viral video from an interview.
As reports suggest, Pant is gearing up to lead the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season, marking his return to competitive cricket. Despite being spotted with the Indian cricket team during their 3rd T20I against Afghanistan at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Pant’s absence from the playing field has been significant.
However, in a promotional video for his interview with Star Sports, Rishabh Pant candidly shares his reflections on the car accident, expressing gratitude for a second chance at life. He said, “For the first time in my life, I felt like my time in this world was up. I was lucky, as it could have been even more serious. Despite the crash, I was alive. Something has saved me. The doctor said it would take 16–18 months. I am fortunate to have a second life.”
Here is the viral video:
Rishabh Pant's special interview on Star Sports….!!!!
– From the highs to accident to getting ready for a great return in IPL 2024. ? pic.twitter.com/PcX8DBOmwX
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 29, 2024
Following the accident, Pant underwent three reconstructive surgeries on the ligaments of his right knee. Throughout his recovery journey, he has been proactive in keeping his fans informed about his fitness through social media posts. While speculations about his return to IPL 2024 circulate, practical considerations raise doubts about the feasibility of this timeline.
Will Rishabh Pant make a comeback in IPL 2024?
Remarkably, Pant has not participated in any club-level cricket games since his injury, and he has refrained from outdoor training sessions with teams for over a year. Although he joined the Delhi Capitals’ camp in Kolkata last year, his training primarily occurred indoors. To make a successful comeback to competitive cricket, Pant must demonstrate his fitness at the domestic level before being considered for the IPL or the national team.
Despite attending the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai in December, Pant’s actual return to the cricketing arena hinges on passing fitness tests and proving his form in lower-level competitions. As the cricket community eagerly awaits his comeback, Pant’s resilience and determination in overcoming his injury setback remain commendable, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the sport.
