‘I felt like my time in this world was up’ - Rishabh Pant recalls horrific car accident

Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant suffered multiple injuries following a horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. In just a few moments, the car caught fire but luckily, the 26-year-old escaped with the help of the local people. However, he suffered severe injuries on his head, back and feet, including a ligament tear on his right knee and multiple cuts on various parts of his body. 

He was immediately rushed to a hospital nearby following which, the cricketer has worked incredibly hard in rehab and training and is finally set to make his return to professional cricket through the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Ahead of that, the Haridwar-born cricketer recalled the horrific incident that almost cost him his life and stated that the doctors told him that it might take 16-18 months to recover.

“First time in my life I felt like my time in this world was up. During the accident, I was aware of the wounds, but I was lucky as it could have been even more serious. I felt 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," Pant said in a video released by Star Sports.

Pant spent the majority of his time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) during rehab. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took care of the finances and his well-being during the entire time as he is expected to play all the matches in the upcoming IPL. The southpaw recently met the Indian team in Bengaluru, during their third T20I against Afghanistan and is slated to lead Delhi Capitals in the 17th edition of the cash-rich league.

However, the cricketer is yet to regain full fitness. Pant is expected to feature as an Impact sub and will not be keeping wickets in the tournament.