Rishabh Pant, the star wicket-keeper batter, acknowledged to being unhappy about missing 14 months of cricket due to a terrible automobile accident, but highlighted that he does not sympathize with the scenario.
Rishabh Pant, 26, was India’s main wicket-keeper. He was a top player who won many matches. But in December 2022, he had a very bad accident. He got hurt badly. After surgery on his right knee ligament, Pant went through a long recovery process. This took most of last year.
He has now been cleared to resume competitive cricket and will captain the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the next IPL season.
Pant spoke with The Times of India on his story of overcoming an injury during a key point in his career.
“I was sad because I was going through a very good time. But I had to ensure I didn’t pity myself. That’s how I was keeping myself sane. I don’t want to think that I am taking a fresh guard or I am making my debut all over again or I just had a break. I just want to feel how it is to be on the ground again. I need that feeling from within that I am just continuing with my career.”
Rishabh Pant
Pant also acknowledged to not watching all of India’s games during his free time to avoid any mental obstacles.
“I won’t say I watched every match. Because when you miss something so much, you need to give yourself space from that. I have been playing cricket all my life. I haven’t thought about anything else. Watching them play was temptation but I didn’t want that to play with my mind. I used to watch the matches once in a while when I used to be done with my routine.”
Rishabh Pant
Pant’s injury prompted him to miss last year’s IPL, in which DC finished second to last with only five victories in 14 games.
However, the southpaw will most likely bat and maintain wicket throughout the competition this season.
“We discussed with the NCA team that we will take a shot at the World Cup (2023)” – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant spoke with the NCA team about his prospective return for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but revealed that his knee’s inability to absorb the load precluded his return.
In his absence, the Men in Blue embarked on an incredible run, winning 10 straight games until their devastating defeat in the final against Australia.
“It was very upsetting (Missing the 2023 World Cup). We discussed with the NCA team that we will take a shot at the World Cup. All of us tried 200 per cent. But my knee couldn’t take the load. That was where I started pushing myself more. When you start giving yourself shorter goals, that helps in pushing yourself. It’s like building a good Test innings.”
Rishabh Pant
Pant further downplayed hopes for his comeback to participate in the 2024 IPL and the subsequent T20 World Cup, saying:
“We will see when we get to March 23 (Delhi Capitals’ first match). I also don’t know how to react. I don’t know what kind of feeling it will be. I am trying to enjoy this. I don’t want to stress too much. I try not to get too much ahead of myself but I do think about the possibilities — both positive and negative. I try to filter that and keep working with a positive mindset.”
Rishabh Pant
He praised the fans for their unwavering support throughout the difficult rehabilitation period.
“I love my fans and I can’t deny the concern they have shown for me. I felt I was family to everyone. When I used to travel, I met people at airports. I was made to feel so comfortable. All the ‘didis’ who work at the airport, they would ask, ‘Beta, aap theek ho na (son, are you doing well)?’ I can’t express the emotion when I received this kind of love.”
Rishabh Pant
Pant’s last game for India was during a tour of Bangladesh, only days before his tragedy in December 2022.
Meanwhile, DC will begin their 2024 IPL season on March 23 against the Punjab Kings.