(Image Souce: BCCI/IPL)
[Saba Sports News] In 2021 and 2022, Rishabh Pant emerged as one of India’s premier batters, achieving numerous accolades and establishing himself as a top wicketkeeper-batter globally. As 2023 approached, he was pivotal in India’s aspirations for the World Test Championship final and the upcoming home World Cup, excelling in both formats.
However, Pant’s progress was abruptly interrupted by a severe car accident on December 30, 2022. Nearly a year has passed since, and Pant has spent most of 2023 recovering. Reflecting on his near-death experience, Pant acknowledged his fortune in surviving and discussed the subsequent physical and psychological challenges he faced.
Pant described the initial recovery phase as physically demanding due to intense pain. However, he noted that his recovery journey has been positive. He admitted to feeling apprehensive about facing people, emphasizing the importance of finding confidence-boosting activities. Pant expressed gratitude for the love and support received during this tough period, highlighting the emotional and mental aspects of his recovery.
“The kind of accident I had, [I’m] lucky to be alive,” Pant recounted in an interview to IPL. “I think it was very challenging, especially the first part I would say more from a physical point of view because in the starting there was a lot of pain to be endured. But just looking at the journey till now, I think it’s been going really well from a recovery point of view. I felt like I couldn’t face people and all, and I felt like I had to do something which gives me confidence.”
“It’s been really amazing because whenever we are playing, we feel no one loves us because there is always pressure and so many things. Yes, it’s a hard time but I came to know people love us, respect us and the kind of appreciation and concern people have shown over a period of time because of my injury, it was heartfelt, crazy for me, because it means a lot as an individual when you’re going through a very rough time. It’s not only physical [recovery], it’s also mentally (taxing) and if your supporters and the people support you and love you, it means a lot, and it really helps in recovery.”
Though not fully recuperated, Pant is set to be the first active captain participating in an IPL player auction in Dubai in 2024. He shared his childhood dream of being at the auction table and his excitement about this new experience. Pant also mentioned his nervousness but looked forward to learning and growing from this opportunity, embracing the excitement of trying something novel.
“Nervousness is definitely one point I’ve to work on because whenever you do something exciting or new, the nervousness is always there. Yes, this is my first time but I want to grow as an individual and learn whatever I can from it. It’s really exciting because I don’t know many people have done it or not, but I would love to be part of it – something exciting, something new.”