Rishabh Pant turned emotional after his return to the Indian senior men’s cricket team following a hiatus of 528 days. In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant expressed his ecstasy following a net session with the other members of India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on is a different feel altogether and this is something I have missed a lot,” said Pant. “I think seeing the teammates, meeting them again, spending time, having fun with them (something I really missed) and I am really enjoying it.”
The journey to this emotional return was anything but easy for Pant. After a severe car crash that led to significant injuries, Pant’s path to recovery has been a testament to his resilience and determination. The fans and the cricketing community eagerly awaited his return, and his presence in the nets has rekindled the hope and excitement for India’s chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The wicketkeeper-batter also opened up on ICC’s move to organize a marquee tournament like the T20 World Cup in the USA. He opined that the decision can help in garnering more attention and fan following for the sport.
“We are used to playing in certain countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened a different channel for the sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the USA and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket as well as for USA cricket.”
This strategic move by the ICC is seen as a significant step towards globalizing the sport, and Pant’s thoughts echo a broader consensus that cricket’s inclusion in the American sporting landscape could be pivotal. The T20 World Cup venues in the USA are going to use drop-in pitches for the entire course of the tournament, which introduces a unique set of challenges for the players. Pant believes it is indispensable for the players to acclimatize as soon as possible.
“New pitches are there, everything is getting set up. Just getting used to the conditions I think the sun is a bit more bright over here so just getting used to it. (On the opportunity to play in the World Cup) Hopefully I make it count,” he added.
As a key player in the Indian squad, Pant has the opportunity to improve his T20 World Cup numbers, which do not currently make for a good reading. Pant has played seven T20 World Cup games in his career so far and aggregated just 87 runs at a strike rate of 122.
.53. Given his undeniable talent and potential, there’s a lot riding on his performance in this World Cup.
Pant’s comeback is particularly inspiring when considering his long road to recovery. Following the car crash, his initial days were filled with uncertainty. Medical experts had projected a lengthy recovery, making Pant’s return within 528 days nothing short of miraculous. The personal fortitude and intense rehabilitation sessions that got him back on his feet illustrate not just the physical but also the mental rigors of an athlete’s journey.
His return has injected a new sense of energy into the team. Colleagues and fans alike have showered him with support, knowing the invaluable experience and skills he brings to the table. The camaraderie within the Indian squad appears more robust than ever, and this renewed unity could be a significant advantage as they head into the World Cup.
Moreover, Pant’s views on the tournament are insightful. The USA, despite being a relatively new entrant into the cricketing world, has shown immense promise and interest. The notion of bringing such a high-profile event to American soil is seen as a bold yet necessary step to globalize cricket, making it a truly international sport. Pant’s acknowledgment of this move highlights his maturity and understanding of the game’s evolution.
The challenges that come with playing on drop-in pitches can’t be understated. These pitches behave differently compared to traditional ones, offering varied bounce and swing. The Indian team will need to adapt quickly, and Pant’s assessment of the brighter sun and different conditions in the USA underscores the importance of acclimatization.
The cricketing community eagerly awaits Pant’s performance in the T20 World Cup. His return marks not just a personal victory but is emblematic of the spirit of cricket itself—resilient, unyielding, and ever hopeful. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Pant, hoping he turns his emotional comeback into a triumphant one for India.
