Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has lauded Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for his extraordinary comeback after a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. After surviving a severe car crash while travelling from Delhi to Roorkee, Pant spent almost an entire year recuperating, much of it at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
The Indian star eventually made his return to professional cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, representing Delhi Capitals, where he delivered stellar performances. His comeback caught the attention of the cricketing world, and Mitchell Marsh, like many others, was in awe of Pant’s resilience.
o has the persona of being relaxed and always laughing and smiling. He’s got that big smile.”
Having returned successfully to white-ball cricket, Pant’s true test awaited him in red-ball cricket, where he has always made a significant impact for India. And in the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Pant made a resounding statement, scoring a century (109) in the second innings of the opening Test at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. His century was a testament not only to his skill but also to his maturity as a cricketer, showing his ability to curb his aggressive instincts when the situation demanded it.
Pant’s revival in Test cricket has added yet another layer to his game. His ability to adapt to different match situations while maintaining his aggressive, entertaining style has made him one of India’s most versatile players. His innings against Bangladesh was filled with trademark strokes, but it also demonstrated his growing sense of responsibility, making him an even greater asset to the Indian Test squad.
Pant’s year of resilience and triumph reached its pinnacle when he was named in India’s squad for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. His key performances during the tournament were crucial in helping India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, lift the coveted trophy for the second time in the nation’s history.
