In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Rishabh Pant opened up about the life-altering car crash he experienced on December 30, 2022, and his miraculous road to recovery. The revealing conversation, titled “Believe: To Death & Back,” sheds light on Pant’s state of mind, the lessons learned, and his anticipation for returning to the cricket field. This unique journey of resilience and self-belief is set to air on February 1 at 7 pm IST.
Reflecting on the fateful day of the accident, Pant revealed that his initial thought was that his “time in this world was over.” The interview, conducted in Bengaluru on August 24, 2023, provides a gripping account of the incident, which occurred as Pant was driving from Delhi to Roorkee to meet his family. He crashed his car into the median divider, creating a life-threatening situation. Despite being aware of his wounds at the time, Pant considers himself fortunate, acknowledging that the outcome could have been much more severe.
Having undergone surgeries to reconstruct all three ligaments in his right knee, Pant shared that the experience taught him the importance of self-belief. The interview explores Pant’s journey through recovery, starting with initial treatment in Dehradun, followed by being airlifted to Mumbai under the care of the BCCI’s specialist consultant. Pant’s commitment to his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru is a testament to his determination to return to the field.
Pant highlighted the monotony and challenges of the recovery process, emphasizing the necessity of perseverance. He stated, “For recovery, you have to do the same thing every day. It’s boring, it’s irritating, it’s frustrating, but you have to do it.” With a focused mindset and a relentless spirit, Pant set an ambitious goal to shorten the recovery timeline given by his doctor. Despite the hardships, he remains dedicated to regaining full fitness and returning to competitive cricket.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by Rajat Kumar and Nishu Kumar, who rescued him from the SUV just before it caught fire, Pant expressed his eternal gratitude. In a heartfelt social media post last January, Pant described them as the heroes who saved his life. The interview provides a glimpse into the critical moments after the crash when Pant’s right knee had dislocated, and a stranger helped put it back in place, preventing potential nerve damage and amputation.
While Pant is eager to return to the cricket field, he remains cautious about planning too far into the future. He shared that he asked the doctor about the expected recovery time, and upon receiving a timeline of 16 to 18 months, Pant pledged to shorten it by six months through his relentless dedication. This determination to expedite the recovery process reflects Pant’s passion for the sport and his unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges. Conclusion: Rishabh Pant’s journey from a life-threatening car crash to the anticipation of playing in IPL 2024 is a testament to his resilience and belief in himself. The interview with Star Sports offers a unique perspective on the cricketer’s mindset, the lessons learned from adversity, and the unwavering spirit that propels him forward. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Pant’s return to the field, his story serves as an inspiration to never lose faith, even in the face of life’s most challenging moments.