India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus Comeback of the Year award, recognizing his remarkable return to the sport after a life-threatening car accident. Pant becomes only the second cricketer ever to receive a Laureus nomination, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
What is the Laureus Comeback of the Year Award:
Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year is an annual award honouring the brilliance of those individuals or teams who have made a comeback in the field of sports. It was first awarded in the year 2000. This nomination for Rishabh Pant marks a remarkable moment for the country.
Near-death experience in December 2022:
Pant’s journey to this nomination has been nothing short of extraordinary. On December 30, 2022, he was involved in a horrific car crash near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, when his vehicle collided with a divider and burst into flames. The 26-year-old miraculously escaped, thanks to the bravery of a local bus driver and conductor who pulled him out of the wreckage. Pant suffered multiple injuries, including ligament tears in his knee, a fractured wrist, and severe burns. His cricketing future was plunged into uncertainty as he underwent months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation.
Road to recovery and come back on the world stage:
After undergoing major surgery and spending over a year in recovery, Pant defied the odds to return to competitive cricket in 2024. His comeback culminated in the T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role for India. Despite initial doubts about his fitness, Pant silenced critics with his explosive batting and sharp glovework behind the stumps, proving why he remains one of India’s most valuable cricketers.
