In 2021 and 2022, Rishabh Pant was undoubtedly India’s top hitter. Two beautiful years, innumerable awards and successes, and he’s well on his way to becoming one of the world’s best wicketkeeper-batters. Pant was by far India’s front-runner in both white and red-ball cricket heading into 2023, with a World Test Championship final in sight and a home World Cup looming.
All of this came to a halt on December 30, 2022, when Pant was involved in a horrible vehicle accident.
It’s been about a year since then, and Pant has been undergoing therapy for the majority of 2023. Looking back on the near-fatal event, Pant said he was lucky to be alive and spoke about the physical and mental hurdles he encountered in the following.
“The kind of accident I had, [I’m] lucky to be alive,” Pant said in an interview with IPL. “I think it was very difficult, especially the first part, which I would say was more physically demanding because there was a lot of pain to be endured at the start.” But, based on the voyage thus far, I believe it has gone really well in terms of recuperation. I felt like I couldn’t face people and everything, so I felt compelled to do something that would boost my confidence.
“It’s been really amazing because whenever we play, we feel like no one loves us because there’s always pressure and so many other things.” Yes, it’s a difficult time, but I’ve learned that people love and respect us, and the sort of appreciation and concern people have shown me over the course of my injury has been heartfelt and crazy for me, because it means a lot as an individual when you’re going through a difficult time. It’s not just physical [healing], but also mentally (taxing), and if your supports and the people around you encourage and love you, it means a lot and really helps in recovery.”
While not fully recovered, Pant will become the first reigning captain to participate in an IPL player auction at the 2024 edition in Dubai.
“You know, as a kid, I used to think one day I might be able to sit on the (auction) table,” says Pant. “I never thought I’d make it happen, but things have fallen into place and I’m able to do it, and lucky to be able to do it.” Because this is something new, I believe it will be a fantastic experience.”
Pant admits to having worries about being a part of the auction contingent, but he also expressed excitement about the chance of learning something new with his presence at the auction table.
“Nervousness is definitely something I need to work on because nervousness is always present when you do something exciting or new.” Yes, this is my first time, but I want to grow as a person and learn everything I can from it. It’s incredibly exciting because I’m not sure how many people have done it or not, but I’d want to be a part of something interesting and new.”
