Rishabh Pant’s Anticipated Return to Cricket: ‘Feels Like Making My Debut Again’
Following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant is set to make a triumphant return to cricket after a 14-month hiatus.
After undergoing surgery on three ligaments in his right knee and addressing various other injuries, Pant has been through an extensive rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
On Tuesday, 12 March, the NCA medically cleared Pant to return to the sport, marking the end of a long and challenging journey.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Pant will return to competitive cricket in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a wicket-keeper batter.
“I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I’m going to make my debut again,” Pant expressed in a media release issued by the Delhi Capitals.
“To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle. I’m grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continue to give me immense strength.”
Pant is currently participating in the pre-season training camp in Visakhapatnam, where the first two games will be held.
In the latest edition of the ICC Review, Delhi Capitals coach and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting shares his insights on how wicket-keeper/batter Rishabh Pant will reintegrate into the IPL setup.
During a recent episode of the ICC Review, Ponting revealed that Pant’s preparation for the upcoming season has been on track and he has participated in a few practice games.
“He’s actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us,” Ponting shared on the ICC Review.
“I know he’s worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he’s at now. He’s kept in one of those games, he’s fielded in these games and the batting hasn’t seemingly been an issue for him so far.”
Pant’s return to competitive cricket also bodes well for India, who could be looking to have him back for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in June.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that Pant would be in contention for a T20 World Cup spot if he can play the role of wicketkeeper-batter. A successful IPL season with the bat and gloves would strengthen his case for inclusion in the squad.