Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant’s road to recovery following a near-fatal high-speed car accident is set to extend beyond the World Cup 2023 months. The Delhi Capitals’ wicketkeeper-batter will not be able to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup in September or the World Cup in October-November.
Pant’s recovery has been closely monitored, and his progress has been deemed faster than anticipated. However, his return to action will still take a while, and it would be considered a very fast recovery if he is back on the field by January 2024, which is a full year from the time of his accident.
Pant was seen using crutches during the Delhi Capitals’ IPL games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and it is estimated that he will take at least a couple of weeks to walk without any assistance. Although he is recovering faster than expected, he will need seven to eight months to be cricket-fit, and it could take even longer for him to resume his wicketkeeping duties.
Initially, Pant will have to make a comeback solely as a batter, which is still considered an asset. It is important for him to take his time and not rush his recovery, as the injury he sustained was severe. It is also important for the Indian team management to be patient with his return and not put unnecessary pressure on him.
