After surviving a life-threatening car accident nearly two years ago, Rishabh Pant is set to return to his rightful place on the Indian Test cricket team.
In the realm of leg-spinners, there’s a fascinating ritual they perform at the start of their run-up. With one hand, they give the ball a dramatic rip, launching it in a high arc while maintaining contact with it using their other hand, palm wide open. The beauty of this act lies in the fact that they never glance at the ball; they trust its trajectory and know it will land where it should.
Last month, during the Delhi Premier League, Pant kicked off the 20th over of the chase with this very routine. He sent the ball soaring, though perhaps a bit too much, resulting in a full toss that allowed a simple tap to long-on for the winning single—this was day 596 since his accident.
On December 30, 2022, Pant experienced a severe car crash, and it was nothing short of miraculous that he survived. At that moment, it was uncertain whether he would ever return to cricket. Now, not only is he back, but he's also ready to embrace new opportunities.
While his T20 bowling antics were enjoyable, there’s something even more significant on the horizon, and Pant has diligently prepared for it. In a recent three-hour training session in Chennai, he was hard to miss—diving during fielding drills, facing Jasprit Bumrah in intense batting practice, and sneaking in throwdowns in the nets despite the sweltering heat. It was clear he was relishing every moment.
Usually, Pant’s presence in a match conjures up images of playful antics, evident when he interrupted an opponent's pre-match huddle during the Duleep Trophy. However, just days before the start of India’s new Test season, he exhibited a different demeanour, soaking up advice from head coach Gautam Gambhir and participating collaboratively with his fellow wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel. When spinners like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav took their turns, Pant unleashed some of his signature shots, sending one ball soaring far beyond the square's boundary.
For Pant, countering spin bowling is essential. His encounters with Nathan Lyon are legendary and have produced some of the most thrilling moments in recent Test history. An aggressive batsman not daunted by turning deliveries faced off against a master spinner during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy three years ago, with Pant keeping pace alongside top players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. While it may take time for him to hit those same heights, his return to form in red-ball cricket seems imminent.
India has managed Pant’s rehabilitation with care, and although he hasn't yet played a monumental innings, signs of improvement have been increasingly apparent. From making his first runs 450 days post-accident to returning to the Indian squad and becoming a world champion 538 days after the crash, his journey back has been remarkable.
"It’s an incredible comeback," said Ricky Ponting, who has closely mentored Pant at Delhi Capitals. "Just reflecting on what he’s been through, waking up on the roadside after being ejected from his car at high speed, is staggering. The mental and physical challenges he faced during rehabilitation were immense. I didn’t think he’d play in last year’s IPL, but he was adamant he’d be ready. And he was—he played a crucial role in our World Cup team."
Pant’s infectious personality and passion for cricket shine through, as evidenced by his impressive record, which includes several Test centuries and near-misses.
Now, after 629 days, he is finally back where he belongs.