The severity of Rishabh Pant's car accident in December 2022 raised concerns about his future, not only in cricket but also in his ability to lead a normal life. The cricketer's vehicle collided with a road divider while he was driving from Delhi to his hometown, Roorkee, resulting in multiple injuries.
Following the accident, Pant was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai, where he was attended to by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Pardiwala recently disclosed that Pant's immediate concern, upon gaining consciousness, was about his career. According to Pardiwala, the first question Pant asked was, "Will I be able to play again?".
Pant's injuries were extensive, including a dislocated right knee, an injured ankle, and significant skin loss. Dr. Pardiwala noted that Pant had lost a substantial amount of skin from his neck down to his knees due to the accident. He also suffered lacerations and abrasions. The orthopaedic surgeon performed a four-hour surgery on January 6, 2023, to reconstruct three ligaments in Pant's right knee and repair tendons and the meniscus. For weeks after the surgery, Pant struggled with basic tasks like brushing his teeth due to the swelling and skin loss, which limited his hand movement.
Dr. Pardiwala described Pant as "extremely lucky to be alive". He explained that the high-velocity knee dislocation could have damaged nerves or blood vessels, potentially leading to the loss of a limb. Fortunately, Pant did not suffer such complications.
Initially, doctors estimated that it would take around 18 months for Pant to return to competitive cricket. However, Pant was determined to expedite his recovery. He commenced an extensive rehabilitation and recovery program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The program included strength training, flexibility exercises, and running drills. Pant's dedication and hard work impressed the medical staff, and his recovery progressed faster than expected.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) closely monitored Pant's progress and provided regular updates. In July 2023, the BCCI announced that Pant had resumed keeping in the nets. By August 2023, reports from the NCA indicated that Pant was pain-free and batting comfortably against deliveries exceeding 140 kmph.
After enduring 635 days of recovery, rehabilitation, and multiple surgeries, Pant made a triumphant return to professional cricket. His comeback is considered one of the most inspiring stories in sports, demonstrating his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Pant's journey has been described as a "miracle", and his story highlights the importance of hope and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
