Ahead of the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka, Team head coach Rahul Dravid, captain Hardik Pandya and other players wished for Rishabh Pant's speedy recovery. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter was involved in a horrific car crash last week and is currently admitted to a private hospital in Dehradun. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a heartwarming video on its social media handles where Dravid alongside other Indian cricketers delivered beautiful 'get well soon' messages for Pant.
"Hey Rishabh, hope you doing well and I hope you really get well soon," Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI.
"Over the last one year, I have had the privilege of seeing you play some of the greatest innings played in Indian Test history whenever we have been in difficult situations. So, I know that you have got the character and the ability to get yourself out of very difficult situations. This is one such challenge and I know you will bounce back like you have done so many times this year. Look forward to having you back soon buddy," the Indian coach added.
Stand-in captain Hardik Pandya said, "Hi Rishabh, just wanted to wish you a very speedy recovery. I know you are a fighter and things are not as we would have liked but life is like that and I know the kind of person you are, you will kind of break all the doors and make a comeback as you have always done. My love and well wishes are always with you and the whole team, the whole nation is behind you. Get well soon my brother."
India vice-captain for the Sri Lanka T20I series Suryakumar Yadav said, "Hi Rishabh, wishing you a speedy recovery. I know what the situation is right now and we miss you here. We can't wait to have you back as soon as possible. You have always been a fighter when you have been on the field and I know you will be back soon. So, have a lovely recovery and we will see you soon. Take care brother!"
Pant's longtime teammates Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill also featured in the video while Yuzvendra Chahal also wished for the wicketkeeper-batter's speedy recovery.
On December 30 (Friday), Pant was involved in a devastating accident when his car hit a divider while he was traveling from Delhi to Roorkee. According to a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pat sustained several injuries in the accident.
"Rishabh has two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee and has also hurt his right wrist, ankle, toe and has suffered abrasion injuries on his back. Rishabh’s condition remains stable, and he has now been shifted to Max Hospital, Dehradun, where he will undergo MRI scans to ascertain the extent of his injuries and formulate his further course of treatment," BCCI had said in a release on Friday.
On January 02 (Monday), the Indian cricketer was shifted from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a private room over 'fear of infection'.Â