After almost 14 months of rehabilitation following a horrific car accident on December 30, 2022, Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has finally joined the IPL side ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the BCCI declaring Pant fit as a wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the domestic season, Pant was seen with a big smile on his face after making a return that is nothing short of a miracle. Pant will be leading the Delhi Capitals this season as well and will hope to make this comeback fruitful for a Delhi side which is still chasing its first IPL title.
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Rishabh Pant expressed a mix of excitement and nerves as he rejoined the Delhi Capitals IPL 2024 pre-season camp on March 13, likening the feeling to making his debut all over again. Following a car accident in December 2022, Pant had been sidelined from the field until receiving clearance from the BCCI on March 12.
Ready to ROAR 🐯
Welcome back, Rishabh Pant.Can’t wait to see you ❤️💙#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/4jz0wFppFb
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 12, 2024
‘Can’t Even Imagine How Worse It Could’ve Got’
Rishabh also spoke about he started to believe in spirituality after what was a difficult time for the player.
Speaking to Times of India, Rishabh said “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.”
After undergoing 14 months of rigorous rehabilitation, Pant emotionally described his return to cricket as nothing short of a miracle, expressing gratitude to the fans, BCCI, and National Cricket Academy staff for their support during his recovery journey. He eagerly anticipated his comeback to the DC team and the IPL, a tournament he cherishes, extending thanks to the team owners and support staff for their assistance and encouragement.
“To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle,” an emotional Pant said. “I’m grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continues to give me immense strength.”
Also Read: IPL 2024: Is Jofra Archer Joining RCB? Speculations Arises As English Player Reaches Bengaluru
