FROM NEAR DEATH TO MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY!

“I am not what I have done, I am what I have overcome.” In the annals of cricket history, few stories embody the spirit of resilience like the incredible comeback of Rishabh Pant. From being on the verge of losing not just his career but even his ability to walk, to now becoming the most expensive player in the history of the IPL, the Pant story is one for the ages.

To remind everyone, in December 2022, Pant was driving from Delhi to his hometown Roorkee when the 25-year-old met with a horrific car accident. The crash left him with multiple fractures, torn ligaments, and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. These injuries were so severe that they threatened to end his playing career.

Doctors who treated him initially expressed grave concerns about his mobility, let alone his ability to return to professional cricket. Complex surgeries and months of rehabilitation were on the cards. For a player who relied heavily on explosive movements and quick reflexes, the prognosis was devastating. But it was Rishabh Pant, the warrior, who knew deep inside him that he would be back sooner than anticipated!

The young keeper-batter underwent gruelling surgeries and physiotherapy. For months, he was on bed rest, followed by slow and painful rehabilitation. What makes his recovery story even more inspiring is the mental fortitude he displayed during this phase. Battling pain and uncertainty, Pant reportedly focused on small goals and within six months of the accident, his determination began to bear fruit. Videos of him walking unassisted and engaging in light training surfaced online, sparking hope among fans. By the end of 2023, just over a year after the accident, he was back in the nets, facing bowlers and working tirelessly on his fitness.

Against all odds, and initial estimates of his surgeons, Pant made a return to international cricket in mid-2024, less than 18 months after the lifethreatening accident. His comeback was nothing short of cinematic. Playing in the T20 World Cup, Pant’s explosive batting in the league games and sharp wicket-keeping were pivotal in India’s victorious campaign. As everyone now knows, his streetsmart move to take a break citing knee issues, when South Africa was on top and seemingly in control changed the course of the f T20 inal! The result – the Proteas batsmen lost focus and India won its second T20 World Cup.

For Pant, however, the year wasn’t done! His openly asking his fans about the price that he would fetch made headlines. Finally, he became the highest-ever buy at an IPL auction, grabbing a record-breaking ₹27 crore. Franchises vied for his services, recognizing not just his talent but also the emotional resonance his story carries with millions of fans. It’s now almost certain that his new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants, will make him the captain of the side.

In fact, Pant is already seen as a future captain of the Indian team across formats in the future, when the Indian stalwarts retire. There were clear glimpses of his leadership qualities back in the 2020-21 tour of Australia. Pant was at his audacious best, smashing the Australian bowling attack with a mix of unorthodox stroke play and fearless aggression. His counter-attacking knock at Brisbane is touted as one of the all-time best in a 4th innings chase in a Test match in Australia.

While he played a major role in Team India winning the T20 World Cup, Pant was yet to prove that he was back at his best in the longest format. But in his very first test on comeback, he hit a splendid century against Bangladesh. The stakes were higher, Pant wasn’t just playing for runs; he was playing to reclaim his identity as one of the finest cricketers of his generation. With every boundary and six, he silenced the doubters.

For young athletes, Pant’s journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding setbacks but about how one rises after facing them. Despite being told he might never play cricket again, Pant defied medical odds to return stronger than ever, proving that the human spirit knows no bounds. His unwavering and unshakeable belief in his abilities, underscores an important lesson - setbacks are temporary, but the will to succeed can redefine destinies.

As Rishabh Pant continues to script his extraordinary comeback, his journey is a source of inspiration. Over the years he has become a key pillar of Indian batting and his form is crucial to India’s success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. From the jaws of death to taming the best bowlers in the world, Pant has shown that greatness is definitely about resilience!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry