'I Felt Like My Time in This World is up’: Rishabh Pant Opens up About Near-Fatal Accident

In the tumultuous world of sports, tales of triumph often emerge from the depths of adversity. Such is the narrative of Rishabh Pant, India’s superstar wicketkeeper, whose journey from the brink of despair to the pinnacle of success serves as an inspiration to millions.

In a candid conversation with Star Sports ‘Believe’ series, featuring real heroes of the game who have overcome the odds to become champions, Rishabh Pant delved into the harrowing experience that nearly cost him his life and the remarkable resilience that propelled him towards redemption.

“First time in my life, I felt like my time in this world is up. During the accident, I was aware of the wounds, but I was lucky as it could have been even more serious. I was feeling that someone saved me.

“I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover, he said it would take 16-18 months. I knew I had to work hard to cut this recovery time,” recalled Pant.

Rishabh Pant is set to return and lead the Delhi Capitals side in the IPL 2024 edition after a long time out of the game, but his wicket-keeping role is uncertain as of now. He has been an important part of the Indian side having played a crucial role in India’s success in the Test format when playing overseas. Unfortunately for India, he could not make the cut for their ongoing five-match Test series against England.

When his teammates were playing bilateral fixtures, IPL 2023, WTC Final, Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Pant was taking baby steps on the road to regaining match fitness under the watchful eyes of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

The NCA took charge the moment Pant’s wounds healed and his body was in the shape to begin the long road to rehab. Since then, VVS Laxman (NCA Head), Dr Nitin Patel (Head Sports Science and Medicine at NCA) and team of physios, and strength and conditioning coaches have ensured the recovery remains on the right track. It seems as if the BCCI is likely to exercise a lot of patience and caution with Pant.

Watch as Rishabh Pant narrate and describe his journey towards glory, for the first time, exclusively on Star Sports Network on Thursday, 1st February 2024, 7 PM onwards.