Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has astonished the cricketing world with his triumphant return to the sport after a harrowing car accident that nearly took his life and career. In December 2022, Pant was on his way to Roorkee from Delhi when his vehicle met with a severe crash. What followed was a period of intense rehabilitation and recovery, as the nation collectively held its breath, praying for the wicketkeeper-batter’s well-being.
In a candid revelation during his appearance on India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat, Pant opened up to host Rajat Sharma, detailing the incredible series of miracles that saved his life and his cricketing journey. “Doctors had initially told me that it would take two to three years for complete recovery,” Pant recalled. He credited Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for his exceptional role in his recovery process.
Pant elaborated, “Dr. Pardiwala came to me and said, ‘Rishabh, look, you need three miracles to recover fully. You have already achieved two of them. Firstly, surviving the crash itself was a miracle. Secondly, my right knee had dislocated about 90 degrees to the right. By some divine intervention and with the help of a person immediately after the crash, I managed to get my knee back into place. Dr. Pardiwala later told me that if I hadn’t done that, my knee might have been amputated.”
The third and perhaps the most astonishing miracle involved the healing of Pant’s ligaments without surgeries. “My ligaments were severely torn, and nothing seemed to be left. The doctor mentioned that another miracle would be if I could avoid surgeries for my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament). I assured him, ‘Sir, please don’t worry.
. I will make it happen,'” Pant recounted, “Ultimately, the miracle did happen. Dr. Pardiwala informed me that in a very few cases out of several hundred thousand, both ACL and PCL can heal on their own. I was exceptionally fortunate, and both healed without the need for surgical intervention,” Pant stated with gratitude.
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, renowned for his expertise in arthroscopic surgery, played a crucial role in this miraculous recovery. With over 22 years of experience and being a member of the Medical Committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC), his efforts have been heavily lauded.
Recalling the progression of his recovery, Pant shared one particularly poignant moment. “Three months after the accident, I managed to stand on my feet without any external help for the first time. Until then, I had been moving around with the support of only one leg. My ankle had also been broken, which prevented me from placing my foot on the ground. I remember the first time I showered after the accident, it felt amazing,” he mentioned, highlighting the small victories that became monumental milestones in his journey.
As a testament to his indomitable spirit, Pant made a stunning comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Capitals in 2024. Not only did he return to play, but he also emerged as the leading run-scorer for his franchise, amassing 446 runs. His presence is even more noteworthy as he once again donned the Indian colors, representing the national team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
The ordeal Pant endured and the subsequent miraculous recovery is not merely a triumph of the human spirit but also a reflection of the advances in medical science and the vital support of the medical professionals around him. It underlines the significant impact that expert care, timely interventions, and sheer willpower can have on recovery against seemingly insurmountable odds.
With renewed vigor and an inspiring comeback story, Rishabh Pant continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience, not just in the cricketing world but for anyone facing overwhelming challenges. His narrative serves as a powerful reminder that miracles do happen, often fueled by determination, faith, and the support of those around us.
