‘I had tears in my eyes…’, Ravi Shastri recalls Rishabh Pant’s accident and praises wicketkeeper-batter on comeback – Firstpost

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was teary-eyed when he heard the news of Rishabh Pant’s car accident in December 2022, adding that he “felt even worse” after visiting the wicketkeeper-batter in hospital.

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Pant suffered multiple injuries in a car accident after his car hit one of the guard rails on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. However, the car caught fire but Pant was lucky to escape despite his injuries.

After a year of intensive recovery and rehabilitation, he returned to professional cricket in the Indian Premier League this year and returned with his team India for the ongoing T20 World Cup in America this month.

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“I had tears in my eyes when I read about his accident. And when I saw him in the hospital, it was even worse,” Shastri said in a video posted by BCCI.

“And then for him to come back from there and be back in the A zone and play one of the greatest games of all time – India against Pakistan – is heartwarming,” he added, referring to India’s six-point victory on Sunday in which Pant scored 42.

The 26-year-old batted 31 balls and was a brilliant wicket-keeper, instrumental in India’s victory.

After the match, Shastri awarded him the BCCI Fielder of the Match award and praised him for his innings and comeback.

“When it comes to batting… everyone knew what you could do – you’ve got that something. But your ability to keep wicket and the mobility you’ve regained so quickly after the operation is testament to how hard you’ve worked.

“And that’s an inspiration not just to yourself but to millions of people around the world that you can come out of the dead and win against all odds. So well done, fantastic. Keep up the good work and keep going. Have fun, guys; well played today.” It was the second consecutive win at the event for the Men in Blue, putting them top of their group.

Shastri said on Sunday it was a “typical India-Pakistan game” with exciting action that the fans enjoyed.

“It was a fabulous game – a typical India-Pakistan game where the pendulum swings from one side to the other. It is a game that keeps everyone on their toes,” he added.

“Many people with weak hearts have problems with heart attacks, which is why there are lots of ambulances everywhere. And that was evident today when the game remained exciting until the end.

“In the end, it is the team that creates the big moments and keeps its nerve; it is they who will emerge as the winner.”

.With PTI inputs

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