Having made a terrific recovery from a death-threatening car crash in December 2022, India star and Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant revealed how worse the mishap could have been. Pant said that the doctors were even contemplating amputation. The accident had left Pant with a severe right knee injury that required a ligament reconstruction surgery besides a fractured wrist and ankle. But he has done well to bounce back. The BCCI on Tuesday declared Pant fit to play as a wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), brightening his prospects of a national comeback in the T20 World Cup after suffering multiple injuries in the harrowing car crash 14 months ago.
“You become more disciplined if you are spiritual. It’s a personal choice. It helped me concentrate on myself. When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me. With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured but I can’t even imagine how much worse it could have been. Doctors even spoke to me about amputation. I always thought about God. This has given a different view altogether. I know someone is watching over me,” Pant told Times of India.
Pant, who will once again be back as DC skipper, has undergone extensive rehabilitation and is ready to shoulder the dual responsibility in the event starting March 22, ending weeks of speculation surrounding his exact role in the league.
A few weeks back, Pant, in an interaction with Star Sports, had recalled telling his doctor that he would shave off at least six months from his recovery timeline.
The National Cricket Academy had declared him fit a week back after he passed all the fitness tests related to his ‘Return To Play’ (RTP).
It has been learnt that he batted for long hours and more importantly, kept wickets for extensive periods in match simulations organised by the NCA.
There was speculation that he might play only as an ‘Impact Player’ or batter but one of India’s biggest match-winners in the past six years has managed to get back in shape to go full throttle.
Pant keeping wickets also means that he would have a fair chance of playing the T20 World Cup if he can come up with some impactful innings during the IPL season.
Pant was present at the Capitals table during the IPL auction last year, and has been working on his fitness at the NCA after recovering from the injuries sustained in the unfortunate incident.
(With PTI Inputs)
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