In December 2022, Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident that forced him to miss 14 months of cricket matches. With perseverance, the wicketkeeper-batter made his way back into the Indian team. After India defeated South Africa by seven runs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, last month to win the T20 World Cup, he can now confidently declare himself a world champion.
After the automobile accident, Pant was hospitalised with multiple injuries, and his cricket career was in danger. He underwent a hard recovery programme, nevertheless, and made a historic return. Pant made his comeback to professional cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, where he led the Delhi Capitals in runs scored. Following a string of strong performances, the flashy cricketer was selected for India’s 15-man T20 World Cup squad. At the main event, he participated in every game and did fairly well. The 26-year-old was extremely trim on the pitch, earning him accolades for his conditioning from the late great Sunil Gavaskar.
Using his official social media accounts, Rishabh Pant posted an inspirational video on Tuesday, July 2, which chronicled his path from injury to world champion status.
“Humbled, thankful, and blessed. The Haridwar native captioned his motivational video, saying, “God has its own plan.”
Blessed, Humbled & Grateful. 🏆
God has its own plan 🔥😇#RP17 pic.twitter.com/6JnKQ2V9LT— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) July 2, 2024
Rishabh Pant was bowled out in the final after he misplayed a two-ball duck. But he was superb behind the wickets, claiming two catches from Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markan, two dangerous batsmen. With an average of 24.42 and a strike rate of 127.61, the left-handed batter finished with 171 runs from eight innings. In the high-stakes match between India and Pakistan, he achieved his best score of 42.
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Against Zimbabwe, India’s next five-match Twenty20 International tour, Pant has been rested. During India’s three T20Is and as many ODIs against Sri Lanka, he is anticipated to make a comeback to action.