After a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant has defied all odds to stage a remarkable comeback. His return to competitive cricket in the ongoing IPL 2024 has left the cricketing fraternity in awe, with Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly leading the chorus of confidence in his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Unwavering Faith
Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting and the team’s Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, have expressed their unwavering faith in Pant’s ability to secure a spot in India’s World Cup squad. Ponting stated, “I think he’ll be in the squad for sure. He’s too good a player and can have too much of an impact on games for India to not pick him.”
Resilience Personified
Pant’s journey back to the cricket field has been nothing short of remarkable. After a grueling 14-month rehabilitation process, both physically and mentally, the wicketkeeper-batter has displayed resilience and determination to reclaim his spot in the Delhi Capitals lineup. His inclusion as both captain and wicketkeeper in DC’s opening match against Punjab Kings was a resounding vote of confidence from the franchise.
Steady Progress
While Pant’s comeback knock was short-lived, he passed both the batting and keeping tests on his return to competitive cricket after 453 days. Since then, he has steadily regained his vintage form, emerging as DC’s leading scorer with 254 runs at an impressive average of 36.29 and a strike rate above 150.
Maturity and Growth
Axar Patel, Pant’s teammate at DC and for India, shed light on the wicketkeeper’s personal growth following the accident. “The Rishabh Pant I’m seeing after a year and a half is a lot more mature now, and has a lot more patience,” Patel noted, adding that Pant now talks about taking time in the middle and finishing games for the team.
Unchanged Approach
Despite the life-altering experience, Ponting emphasized that Pant’s approach and attitude on the field remain unchanged. “I don’t think he’s changed much as a cricketer, to be honest,” Ponting said, highlighting Pant’s unwavering commitment to his craft.
Rishabh Pant’s comeback for the World Cup is a testament to his unwavering spirit and talent. With the endorsement of cricketing greats like Ponting and Ganguly, the stage is set for Pant to continue his inspiring journey and make an indelible mark on the grandest stage of them all.
