"I was nervous about facing people in a wheelchair" - Rishabh Pant opens up on insecurities after horrific car accident
Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently opened up on the insecurities that haunted him after the horrific car accident. He suffered an accident in the wee hours of December 30, 2022, while going home to surprise his mother on New Year.
Pant went through intense rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy facility in Bengaluru and returned to competitive cricket after almost 14 months. He made a return in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he led the Delhi Capitals (DC).
Pant recently appeared on a talk show hosted by veteran Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, where he talked about the life-changing episode.
“Self-belief and self-confidence are very important while recovering from an injury because there are people saying all sorts of things around you, and you, as an individual, have to think about what’s good for you,” Pant said.
“The accident was a life-changing experience for me," he continued. "When I got up after it, I wasn’t even sure if I would be alive, but God was very kind to save me. I couldn’t even brush my teeth for two months, and for six to seven months, I suffered with unbearable pain. I couldn’t go to the airport because I was nervous about facing people in a wheelchair."
Rishabh Pant had a memorable campaign on return despite not leading the Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2024 playoffs. He aggregated 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.55, including three fifties. He was equally agile behind the stump and registered some excellent catches.
"More than feeling pressure, I’m excited" - Rishabh Pant on return to international cricket
The upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA will mark his return to international cricket. Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson were picked as the two wicketkeeping options in India's T20 World Cup squad.
Speaking on his return to international cricket, Pant said:
“Now that I’m making a comeback in cricket, more than feeling pressure, I’m excited. I feel this is kind of a second life, so I’m excited but also nervous."
India will kick off their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.