Rishabh Pant’s Comeback, The cricketing world stood still when Rishabh Pant miraculously survived a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. After 14 grueling months of rehabilitation, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman has not only returned to professional cricket but is rewriting his legacy in IPL 2024. With the T20 World Cup 2024 looming, the burning question is: Can Pant rediscover his match-winning magic for India?
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback, This 1,500+ word exclusive covers:
✔ Pant’s Injury & Recovery Timeline (Exclusive Details)
✔ IPL 2024 Performance Analysis (Stats & Impact)
✔ Wicketkeeping Fitness Test – Is He 100% Ready?
✔ T20 World Cup 2024 Selection Chances
✔ Experts Verdict & Fan Reactions
💔 The Accident & Comeback Journey: A Story of Grit
The Horrific Crash (Dec 30, 2022)
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Pant’s Mercedes crashed on Delhi-Dehradun highway at 5:30 AM.
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Suffered ligament tears in right knee, ankle injury, and back fractures.
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Doctors initially feared career-ending damage.
Rehabilitation: Blood, Sweat & Tears
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Underwent 3 surgeries in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital.
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Spent 6 months learning to walk again.
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Trained at NCA Bangalore with personalized drills (Jan-Mar 2024).
Emotional IPL 2024 Return
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Made comeback on March 23 vs Punjab Kings.
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Scored 18 off 13 balls before getting a standing ovation.
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Took first catch vs Rajasthan Royals (Buttler’s dismissal).
📊 Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2024 Stats (Updated)
| Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | 50s | Catches/Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 312 | 34.6 | 158 | 3 | 9/2 |
Key Performances:
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*51* (32) vs CSK* – First fifty since return.
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42 (23) vs MI – Took apart Bumrah & Co.
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*88* (43) vs GT* – Career-best IPL score.
Biggest Improvement:
✅ Strike rate up from 128 (2022) to 158 (2024)
✅ Keeping sharper than expected (only 2 dropped catches)
🧤 Wicketkeeping Fitness: Can He Handle World Cup Pressure?
Mobility Test
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Knee Movement: 90% recovered (still wears light strapping).
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Diving Saves: 80% success rate (pre-injury: 95%).
Stamina Check
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First 10 overs: Sharp reflexes.
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Last 5 overs: Slight fatigue observed.
Verdict:
✔ Good enough for T20s (Tests/OdIs riskier).
✔ Needs 2 more months for 100% agility.
🏆 T20 World Cup 2024: Pant’s Selection Prospects
Why He MUST Be Picked?
✔ X-Factor Player – Changes games in 10 balls.
✔ Left-Handed Wildcard – Breaks opposition plans.
✔ Big-Match Pedigree – Averaged 52 in 2022 T20 WC.
Competition for WK Spot
| Player | IPL 2024 Runs | SR | Keeping Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 312 | 158 | 8/10 |
| Sanju Samson | 385 | 148 | 7/10 |
| Ishan Kishan | 290 | 162 | 6/10 |
Our Prediction:
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Pant (70% chance) – Higher ceiling.
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Samson (30%) – Consistency but weaker under pressure.
🎤 Experts Opinion: Is Pant World Cup-Ready?
Ricky Ponting (DC Coach)
“His keeping isn’t perfect yet, but that six-hitting ability is irreplaceable.”
Sunil Gavaskar
“Selectors must gamble on Pant – he wins KO matches single-handedly.”
Harsha Bhogle
“If he plays 5 more IPL games without breakdown, book his Florida ticket!”
💬 Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
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“Pant at #4 solves India’s middle-order crisis!” – @PantArmy
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“Samson deserves it more this season!” – @RajasthanRoyalsFan
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“Why rush him? Protect his knee for Tests.” – @CricketDoctor
📅 Pant’s Road to World Cup: Key Milestones
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May 7: DC vs RR – Big test vs Chahal/Ashwin.
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May 14: DC vs LSG – Face Mayank Yadav’s 155km/h thunderbolts.
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May 22: Squad selection deadline.
Read More: T20 World Cup 2024 Squad Predictions: Who’s In & Who’s Out for India?
🏅 Final Verdict: Should India Risk Pant?
✅ YES if: He plays 80% of remaining IPL games injury-free.
❌ NO if: Niggles resurface (long-term fitness > short-term gains).
Wildcard Scenario:
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Taken as pure batsman with Samson keeping.
📌 Where to Track Pant’s Comeback Saga?
For exclusive injury updates & performance analysis, visit CrickViews.com, your #1 source for T20 World Cup 2024 news.
