Pant Poised for Comeback After Two-Year Hiatus

After overcoming a life-threatening car accident nearly two years ago, Rishabh Pant is poised to reclaim his spot on the Indian Test cricket team.

In the world of leg-spin bowling, there's a captivating ritual performed at the start of each run-up, where the bowler dramatically rips the ball into a high arc while keeping the other hand open and in contact. The elegance of this act lies in the bowler's unwavering trust in the ball's trajectory, never needing to look as it finds its designated landing.

Last month, during the Delhi Premier League, Pant showcased this very routine at the onset of the 20th over, launching the ball skyward—perhaps a touch too high—resulting in a full toss that allowed for an easy tap to long-on for the winning run. This marked day 596 since his life-altering accident.

On December 30, 2022, Pant endured a horrific car crash, and it was nothing short of miraculous that he survived. At that precarious moment, his return to cricket seemed uncertain. Yet now, he is not just back, but also ready to seize new opportunities.

While his T20 bowling escapades were entertaining, something even larger looms ahead, and Pant has been readying himself for it. In a recent three-hour training session in Chennai, he stood out—diving during fielding drills, facing Jasprit Bumrah in high-intensity batting practice, and squeezing in throwdowns in the sweltering heat. His joy was palpable.

Typically, Pant's presence on the field evokes images of light-hearted antics, as seen when he playfully interrupted an opponent's pre-match huddle during the Duleep Trophy. However, just days before India's new Test season kicks off, he adopted a more serious approach, absorbing insight from head coach Gautam Gambhir and collaborating closely with fellow wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. As spinners like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav took their turns, Pant showcased his trademark shots, sending one ball soaring far beyond the square boundary.

For Pant, adeptly handling spin bowling is critical. His matchups with Nathan Lyon have become legendary, delivering some of the most electrifying moments in recent Test history. Faced with turning deliveries during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy three years ago, Pant matched the prowess of top players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. While it may take him time to regain that peak performance, his return to form in red-ball cricket appears imminent.

India has approached Pant's rehabilitation with great care, and although he hasn't yet delivered a standout innings, the signs of his improvement are increasingly evident. From scoring his first runs 450 days after the accident to being part of the Indian squad and contributing to a World Cup victory 538 days post-crash, his comeback journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"It’s an incredible comeback," shared Ricky Ponting, who has mentored Pant during his time at Delhi Capitals. "Just reflecting on what he’s been through, waking up on the roadside after being thrown from his car at high speed, is staggering. The mental and physical obstacles he faced in rehabilitation were immense. I honestly didn’t think he’d play in last year’s IPL, but he was determined to be ready. And he was—he played a vital role in our World Cup team."

Pant's infectious personality and unwavering passion for cricket shine through, backed by an impressive record featuring several Test centuries and near misses. Now, after 629 days, he is finally ready to reclaim his rightful place on the field.