Team India’s wicketkeeper-batsman and Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant characterized his rehabilitation journey following a car accident as tedious and dull. However, he emphasized his wholehearted commitment to the process, recognizing it as the only path to recovery from the injuries sustained in the harrowing incident.
The 26-year-old cricketer narrowly avoided serious injuries when his car collided with a road divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway near Roorkee on December 30, 2022. Despite facing setbacks, Pant has recovered ahead of schedule and is poised for a return during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
In the second instalment of a special series titled ‘Miracle Man’ on bcci.tv, the Indian cricketer candidly discussed the difficulties of rehabilitation and the repetitive nature of the process.
“Firstly, rehab is very irritating. The worst thing about rehab is that you have to do the same thing again and again. At the same time, you have to do it because you don’t have any other choice. It’s boring. You have to do the same stuff, you have to see the same people, but you have to do it at the end of the day. The more boring you do, the better you get [sic],” Rishabh Pant said in the clip.
🔙 to the game I love the most 🫶#RP17 #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/yVtEwhLtZy
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) March 16, 2024
During his time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Pant experienced fluctuating moods as the recovery period extended. Despite this, the 26-year-old expressed gratitude for the supportive staff, describing them as empathetic and accommodating.
“People in NCA were very welcoming. It’s easier said than done – you are feeling frustrated and take it out on people. At the same time, when they take it in a good sense, like, ‘he is also going through a tough time. He needs to recover.’ Every time, you are not in the same mood. During such a long injury period, you are bound to get frustrated. During that period, the NCA was very supportive [sic].” Pant asserted.
Earlier this week, the BCCI issued an official medical update on Pant, confirming that he is fit to assume the wicketkeeping duties for DC in IPL 2024.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
In Part 2 of the #MiracleMan, we bring you insights from @RishabhPant17's road to recovery, where determination and perseverance ultimately triumph.
From intense rehabilitation sessions, training regime, and nutrition – the… pic.twitter.com/83YZExqkIa
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 16, 2024
“I thoroughly enjoy being out there on the field”- Rishabh Pant
Despite being absent from competitive cricket for over 14 months, Pant harbours no reservations about making a comeback. In fact, he only feels elation and anticipation at the prospect.
“Really confident [about] getting back on the field. It’s been amazing. And I feel so happy when I go to the ground. I think the love of cricket has gone up. I used to love it more than anything before also. Still, there is an increase in that. I just love being on the field,” Pant signed off, while speaking about his much-awaited comeback.
The wicketkeeper-batsman will showcase his skills when Delhi Capitals (DC) face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali on March 23.
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