Aoba Tanaka 
In a heartwarming turn of events, Rishabh Pant, the talented wicketkeeper-batter on the comeback trail after a tumultuous recovery, shared lively moments with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s training session before the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan.
As the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium braces for the third and final T20I showdown between India and Afghanistan, the spotlight falls on Rishabh Pant, whose journey to redemption took a significant stride during a spirited training session. Currently rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Pant, donned in a casual Jordan t-shirt and black shorts, engaged in animated discussions with former skipper Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma.
Pant’s presence was not just symbolic; the Delhi Capitals’ stalwart, recovering from multiple injuries sustained in a serious car accident over a year ago, showcased glimpses of his batting prowess in the Chinnaswamy nets. With determination etched on his face, Pant, despite a subtle hobble, spent close to 20 minutes in a fervent session, receiving throwdowns from the NCA support staff.
During this session, Pant not only exchanged pleasantries with power-hitter Rinku Singh but also interacted warmly with several members of the Indian team. The visuals, however, revealed a hint of the challenges he has faced, as the gloveman seemed to navigate the stadium with a slight limp.
Pant’s road to recovery has been well-documented on social media, where he regularly updates fans on his fitness journey. After undergoing three reconstructive surgeries to mend all three key ligaments in his right knee, Pant is poised to make a triumphant return for the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The optimism surrounding Pant’s comeback is not unwarranted, with Sourav Ganguly, the director of cricket for Delhi Capitals, expressing confidence in the young player. Speaking during a DC camp at Jadavpur University Salt Lake Campus, Ganguly assured fans, stating, “He’s (Pant) good now. He will play in the IPL next season. By January (2024), he’ll get even better.”
Pant’s absence was felt keenly in the IPL 2023, the ICC World Test Championship final, and the One Day International (ODI) World Cup. His last appearance for India was against Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium in December 2022, marking the beginning of a challenging period. As Pant fights his way back into contention, his story becomes more than just cricket; it embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of a true comeback. As the cricketing world awaits his return, Rishabh Pant’s narrative transcends the boundaries of the field, inspiring all those who believe in the power of never giving up.
