India star Rishabh Pant’s road to recovery begins after cheating death in crash

16 January 2023 , 17:07

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Rishabh Pant's car was left burnt out after he fell asleep at the wheel resulting in an horrific crash (Image: Newslions / SWNS)

India cricket star Rishabh Pant has begun his 'road to recovery' after an horrific car crash last month which resulted in him needing surgery.

Last month police stated that the 25-year-old India international had 'dozed off' while driving between Mangalaur and Nursan in India, close to his hometown of Roorkee. The star lost control of his Mercedes GLE which flipped over twice into a road divider before bursting into flames.

Pant was rescued by bystanders and avoided any life-threatening injuries. The 25-year-old was taken to a local hospital in Roorkee before being airlifted to a hospital in Mumbai to undergo surgery on ligament tears in his knee.

In a statement at the time the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) said: "Rishabh will undergo surgery and subsequent procedures for ligament tears and will continue to be monitored by the BCCI Medical Team throughout his recovery and rehabilitation.

"The Board will make every effort to aid and expedite the recovery process of Rishabh and will provide him with all the support he needs during this period."

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Rishabh Pant's car was left burnt out following the horrific crash last month (Newslions / SWNS)

Pant has now updated cricket fans on Twitter stating he was on the road to recovery. He said: "I am humbled and grateful for all the support and good wishes.

"The road to recovery has begun and I am ready for the challenges ahead. Thank you to the @BCCI, @JayShah & government authorities for their incredible support.

"From the bottom of my heart, I also would like to thank all my fans, teammates, doctors and the physios for your kind words and encouragement. Looking forward to see you all on the field."

India's Rishabh Pant says he is on the 'road to recovery' after undergoing surgery following an horrific car crash which he was lucky to survive

A report of the crash by The Times of India read: “Pant sustained injuries on his forehead, a hand and right knee. However, he is conscious and able to talk,” police superintendent Swapn Kishor Singh was quoted as saying. “The car he was driving was completely burnt. He is lucky to survive the severe accident”.

After making his Test debut against England in August 2018 Pant has quickly made his mark in international cricket and has a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the world. During his 31 Tests Pant has scored five centuries, and also notched his maiden ODI 100 in August.

Pant had been named as captain for his IPL franchise, the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2023 campaign. His team-mates include the likes of Australian opener David Warner and South African bowler Anrich Nortje.

Benjamin Goddard