NEW DELHI: Indian batter
Rishabh Pant
offered a positive injury update on Tuesday, signaling his determined efforts to regain fitness before the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
The left-handed wicketkeeper shared a gym workout story on Instagram, showcasing his commitment to return to the cricket field after being sidelined since a vehicle accident in December 2022.
Pant, who hasn't played since then, seems to be making progress in his recovery, raising hopes for his return to competitive cricket later in the year. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the dynamic player's comeback, anticipating his impactful contributions on the field.
The first hint of his return to IPL came back in November when he attended a Delhi Capitals camp in Kolkata, attended by senior support staff of the team including
Sourav Ganguly
(director of cricket),
Ricky Ponting
(head coach), and Pravin Amre (assistant coach). Subsequently, Pant took part in the discussions about the retention and release of players ahead of the auction.
Pant's presence at the mini-auction of the latest edition of the IPL in Dubai added anticipation and excitement to the event. Amid the auction proceedings, Pant took a moment to share insights into his recovery journey.
"I think [I am] much better [compared to] what I was doing a few months ago. Still on recovery to 100 per cent, but hopefully, in a few months I will be able to do that. It has been really amazing because whenever we are playing, we feel no one loves us. After all, there is always pressure and so many things. Yes, it is a hard time but I came to know people love us, respect us and the kind of appreciation and concern people have shown over a while because of my injury," Pant said in a video posted by his franchise on social media.
Pant also said that the love of fans and supporters means a lot to him as he continues to go towards 100 per cent fitness.
"It was heartfelt - crazy for me - because it means a lot as an individual when you are going through a very rough time. It is not only physical [recovery], it is mentally also and if your supporters and the people support you and love you, it means a lot, and it really helps in recovery," he said.
The wicketkeeper-batter also expressed that he was "lucky to be alive" following the accident.
"The kind of accident I had, [I am] lucky to be alive," he added.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (
BCCI
), last July provided a fitness update on the batter in a statement which stated that he had "commenced batting as well as keeping in the nets" and had made "significant progress in his rehabilitation."
Pant has represented DC since 2016 and scored 2,838 runs in 98 matches at an average of 34.61 and a strike rate of over 147, with a century and 15 fifties to his name.
(With ANI inputs)
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