The Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, who has been out of professional cricket since December last year due to a horrific car accident, is reportedly recovering from his injuries “far better than expected.” The sources have revealed that the 26-year-old might “become ready around the England Tests,” but the BCCI and NCA will allow him to return through T20s.
Also Read: Mohammad Shami ruled out of Test series against South Africa; Deepak Chahar withdraws
At the turn of 2023, Rishabh Pant underwent surgeries on his right knee for ligament tears apart from getting treated for other injuries sustained after his car had crashed against a divider on NH-58 in the early hours of December 30 last year. Since then, he has been on a swift road to recovery, first at his residence before arriving at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on crutches.
As per the report from News18, the sources said the following about the recovery of Rishabh Pant in recent months, “Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact, better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Especially the knee after ligament tears and surgeries. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping. The load on the body will be gradually increased now and running at 100% intensity is likely to begin from next week,” says a source close to developments.”
“As I said, running – ground and on the treadmill – has begun but it’s not high intensity yet. Say 80-90% but not full intensity yet. There are sessions on the spin bike too but right now it’s more about getting the body ready for those pressure tests – high-intensity training and match simulations. So lifting and muscle work has also begun to add strength. He has started compound exercises, the ones which work on multiple muscle groups at the same time, and lot of attention is being paid to lower-body strength and conditioning,” added the source.
IPL looks like a viable option now for Rishabh Pant: Reports
“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. Just like they did with Bumrah who first played T20Is vs Ireland before playing the 50-over format. The manner in which both NCA and BCCI handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant. The bigger picture and complete fitness of Pant is important. So IPL looks like a viable option for now,” adds the source.