WATCH : Rishabh Pant coming on to bat during practice match on Independence Day

Indian cricket fans had a special reason to rejoice on Independence Day as the flamboyant wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant returned to the cricket field after more than seven months. The southpaw has been sidelined from professional cricket after a horrific car accident in late December 2022. He suffered multiple injuries and had to undergo surgery before heading to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

Pant’s absence severely hurt Delhi Capitals in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) and Team India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final. Although the southpaw is showing significant improvement in fitness, chances of him playing in upcoming major tournaments like Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup are slim.

However, in a video that has gone viral on social media, Pant can be seen batting comfortably in a local match in Karnataka and fans are happy to see the youngster making a speedy recovery from the injury. According to reports, Pant was batting in a practice match held at JSW ground in Vijaynagar, Karnataka.

The video shows Pant receiving a warm reception from the crowd as he makes an emotional entry to the ground. The 25-year-old looked at ease with his footwork and even launched a six over deep cover.

Watch the video below: 

Pant has started facing 140 kmph-plus deliveries: Reports

Pant is recovering faster than expected and earlier this month there were reports that he started batting and wicket-keeping training at the NCA nets. According to a report by RevSports, the Uttarakhand-born cricketer started facing deliveries faster than 140 kmph and improving his body movements is the next target.

“Rishabh has been making a fine recovery. He has started to take on deliveries with a speed excess of 140 kmph. We all are delighted with the way he has been crossing every hurdle in his recovery. He is keeping well. His next target will be to focus on larger and quicker body movements, which we aim to achieve in the next couple of months,” the report quoted a source as saying.