Born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has become one of the most exciting and fearless cricketers of modern times. Known for his aggressive batting and fearless stroke play, Pant burst onto the international stage after impressing in the India U-19 setup. He made his T20I debut in 2017, followed by his Test debut in 2018 against England and ODI debut the same year.
Pant’s natural ability to counterattack in tough situations quickly established him as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter across formats. His 2018 century at The Oval against England and his unforgettable 89 at the Gabba in 2021* That sealed India’s historic Test series win in Australia remains etched in cricketing history.
Stellar Performances Before the Setback
By the age of 25, Pant had already carved a niche as a match-winner. He became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score Test centuries in both England and Australia, proving his adaptability in challenging conditions. His fearless batting style, combined with match awareness, made him a game-changer in red-ball cricket while also earning him recognition in white-ball formats.
Pant was also appointed as Delhi Capitals’ captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he displayed leadership qualities and finishing prowess.
The Accident That Changed Everything
Pant’s journey, however, took a shocking turn on December 30, 2022, when he survived a horrific car accident near Roorkee while driving from Delhi to Uttarakhand. His car collided with a divider and caught fire, leaving him with multiple injuries: torn knee ligaments, wrist and ankle damage, along with cuts and bruises.
The accident sidelined him from cricket for more than a year, and his rehabilitation became one of the toughest battles of his life. Pant later admitted he couldn’t even perform basic tasks like brushing his teeth for two months.
Road to Recovery and Return
Pant underwent multiple surgeries and a long rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His determination and discipline paid off as he made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024, regaining his fitness and rhythm with both bat and gloves.
In a fairytale return to international cricket, Pant scored a century in Tests, equalling MS Dhoni’s record for most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper. His ability to not only bat with confidence but also resume full-time wicketkeeping was hailed as a miracle by fans and experts alike.
Pant’s Resilience and Second Life
Pant himself described his return as a “second life,” emphasising how the accident gave him a new perspective. He credits his recovery to sheer hard work, strong willpower, and the unwavering support of family, doctors, and fans.
Today, at 27, Rishabh Pant stands as a symbol of resilience in world cricket, a cricketer who not only overcame life-threatening injuries but also reclaimed his spot as one of India’s biggest match-winners.