Having survived a life-threatening car crash almost a year ago, the dynamic cricketer Rishabh Pant, often referred to as a “box office” player, is poised for a triumphant return in 2024, as predicted by former England captain Nasser Hussain. Pant endured a harrowing car accident during a tragic December night in 2022. Despite the adversity, the wicketkeeper-batsman has made considerable progress, and there are optimistic expectations for his return to cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
Rishabh Pant briefly joined India’s training session ahead of the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan, engaging in discussions with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Currently on the path to recovery, the wicketkeeper-batsman interacted with the team on the sidelines.
Scheduled to face Afghanistan at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Team India holds an unassailable 2-0 lead. Pant, in rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, is expected to make his comeback for Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL after a serious car accident 13 months ago.
The anticipated moment is drawing near as Rishabh Pant returns to the cricket nets. Although it will be a while before he participates in a competitive match, Pant has initiated his batting practice. Presently stationed at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, he received throwdowns from the support staff before joining Rohit Sharma & Co, who are present for the 3rd T20 between India and Afghanistan.
Sporting casual attire, Pant practiced shadow batting and received throwdowns at the nets. However, his appearance raised concerns as he seemed not fully fit, displaying a slight limp at the venue.
Pant, who underwent three reconstructive knee surgeries, continues to share updates on his recovery. Despite missing IPL 2023, the World Test Championship final, and the ODI World Cup, he was retained by Delhi Capitals.
Sourav Ganguly, DC’s director of cricket, expressed confidence in Pant’s IPL return in 2024, stating his improvement by January 2024 during a camp at Jadavpur University Salt Lake Campus. Pant’s last international appearance was against Bangladesh in December 2022, having played 33 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 66 T20Is for India.
