Rishabh Pant, India’s swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman, is notably absent from the Indian squad for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Pant’s omission is due to the horrific car accident he was involved in late last year, which left him with multiple severe injuries. As Pant embarks on a challenging road to recovery, his hopes of participating in cricket’s biggest tournament this year have been dashed.
The 26-year-old Pant has emerged as one of India’s most exciting cricketers in recent years, known for his aggression and game-changing abilities. With the World Cup being hosted in India, Pant was expected to be a crucial part of the home team’s plans. However, the player’s unfortunate accident in December 2022 changed the equation completely.
Rishabh Pant’s Devastating Accident
On December 30, 2022, Pant was driving to his hometown Roorkee when he met with a near-fatal car crash on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. His vehicle collided with a road divider and caught fire, leaving Pant with multiple injuries. Also Read: Will Virat Kohli Retire from ODIs After World Cup 2023?
As per reports, Pant suffered cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee, and abrasions on his back. His right wrist, ankle and toe were also impacted. The BCCI stated it was “nothing short of a miracle” that Pant survived the mishap.
Why Rishabh Pant is not Playing in the 2023 Cricket World Cup?
Given the severity of his injuries, especially the ligament tear in his knee, Pant has been ruled out of cricket for an extended period. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and has only recently started light training like batting and wicketkeeping indoors.
Thankful to god at least I have started seeing some light in the dark tunnel 🙏🤞🏻🤞🏻❤️.#blessed #RP17 pic.twitter.com/s1oy3H52EV
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 4, 2023
However, the demand on Pant’s body as a wicketkeeper-batsman means he is realistically not going to be match ready in time for the World Cup. The tournament will be held from October-November 2023, barely 10 months after Pant’s accident.
Rishabh Pant’s Absence – A Big Blow for India
The flamboyant left-hander’s absence deals a huge blow to India’s chances in the upcoming 50-over World Cup. As a dynamic middle-order batter who can take games away single-handedly, Pant was expected to play a pivotal role. Also Read: Why Siraj is Called Miya Magic?
He also provides the team vital balance as the only viable wicketkeeping option in limited overs cricket. India will badly miss his X-factor as they aim to win the World Cup on home soil.
Road to Recovery Still Long for Pant
While Pant has shown great determination in his recovery, the road back to full fitness remains a long one.
Pant will need to very gradually return to high intensity training and match simulation, something that seems unlikely in the next few months. The focus will be on avoiding any risks or setbacks in his rehabilitation.
What Next for Rishabh Pant?
Although the ODI World Cup 2023 dream is over, there is still optimism that Pant can return to cricket in the future once declared fully fit. He will aim to recover in time for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in early 2024 to stake his claim again for India. Also Read: Why Virat Kohli Wears Jersey Number 18?
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Pant also remains integral to India’s plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup next year. For now, his legions of fans will hope the batting star can make a full recovery and rediscover his best form once back on the field.
FAQs
1. When did Rishabh Pant’s accident occur?
Rishabh Pant was involved in a severe car accident on December 30, 2022 on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. His car collided with a road divider and caught fire.
2. What kind of injuries did Pant sustain in the accident?
Pant suffered multiple injuries including cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee, abrasions on his back and impact injuries to his right wrist, ankle and toe.
3. Why has Rishabh Pant been ruled out of the 2023 ODI World Cup?
The 2023 Cricket World Cup takes place just about 10 months after Pant’s accident. This is too short a time for him to complete rehabilitation and regain full match fitness required for the high stakes tournament.
4. Who is India’s Current wicketkeeper in Pant’s absence at the World Cup?
KL Rahul is now India’s Wicket-keeper batsman in absence of Rishabh pant. Ishan Kishan is also selected as a backup keeper for ICC ODI World cup 2023.
