Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a life-threatening car accident in 2022, many doubted whether he would ever return to the highest level of the sport. However, Pant has defied all odds, returning to the Indian team with a vengeance.
In just 34 Tests, Pant has matched MS Dhoni’s feat of scoring six centuries, a remarkable achievement considering Dhoni played over 90 Tests. Pant’s return to form has been particularly impressive given the challenges he faced after his accident.
His comeback story began with a determined performance in the last IPL, where he played as a No. 3 batter on some of the most difficult pitches in the T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about his body’s ability to withstand the rigors of five-day cricket, Pant has proven his fitness and skill in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh.
His comfort against the Bangladesh bowlers has shown that he has overcome any mental hurdles that may have lingered after his accident. Shubman Gill, who shared a 167-run partnership with Pant, praised his teammate’s resilience.
“I’ve seen him work so hard for it when he was coming back from the injury and I think he also must be feeling really good,” Gill said.
Pant’s hard work and dedication have been evident in his training sessions. In New York, he faced short-pitched deliveries on a pitch with variable bounce, testing his pain threshold and preparing himself for the challenges of Test cricket.
Former coach Rahul Dravid and current boss Gautam Gambhir have both praised Pant’s abilities as a batter and wicketkeeper. Gambhir highlighted Pant’s consistent performances in red-ball cricket and his ability to impact the game.
“He’s got runs everywhere around the world, and not many wicket-keepers of that age have done it so consistently in red-ball cricket,” Gambhir said.
Pant’s glovework has also been impressive in this Test, showcasing his all-around skills. Gambhir believes that Pant’s batting often overshadows his keeping abilities, but he has been remarkable behind the stumps on Indian pitches.
As Pant continues his comeback, the best is yet to come. His resilience and determination have inspired many, and he is poised to become one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game.
