New Delhi, February 4: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is making steady progress in his recovery from a side strain at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The dynamic cricketer expressed optimism about his imminent return to competitive cricket, marking a positive step forward after a recent setback.
Pant suffered the injury during a practice session in Vadodara, just a day before the ODI series opener against New Zealand. A throwdown specialist’s ball struck him above the waist on his right side, forcing him out of action. Despite the hiccup, Pant has been putting in rigorous efforts at the state-of-the-art facility.
Speaking at the World Pickleball League event, Pant shared, ‘My fitness is improving day by day. I’m working hard at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. I believe I’ll be back on the field soon.’ His determination shines through as he navigates this rehabilitation phase.
The star player emphasized the importance of staying connected to the game during long recovery periods. He credited his passion for cricket and the unwavering support from his network for keeping his spirits high. ‘When injured, what keeps me close to the game is my love for it and the support from people around me,’ Pant remarked. ‘As a cricketer, you must always add something to your game. I need to keep improving every aspect of my overall gameplay.’
Reflecting on multiple comebacks from injuries, Pant revealed how these experiences have shaped his perspective on cricket and life. He admitted that being away from top-level competition is the toughest part. ‘Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has made me more grateful. It’s about how you view things around you and staying committed to what truly makes you happy,’ he said.
Pant candidly shared what he misses most during injury layoffs: the sheer joy of playing at the highest level. ‘When injured, I miss enjoying the game the most. You love cricket so much, but playing at the top level and savoring it—that’s what I truly miss.’ Fans eagerly await his return, knowing his aggressive style and wicketkeeping prowess will bolster India’s campaign across formats.