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Rishabh Pant's injuries following his horrible accident in December 2022, in the opinion of former India head selector and cricket player MSK Prasad, have been more beneficial than detrimental to the player. Notably, on December 30, 2022, Pant narrowly escaped a near-fatal car accident while travelling from Delhi to his birthplace of Roorkee.
The wicketkeeper-batter missed the entire cricket season in 2023 as a result of the event, but he returned to the game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. The 27-year-old recently made his Test comeback, scoring his sixth century and then lighting up the opening Test against New Zealand with a magnificent 99.
MSK Prasad on Pant
MSK Prasad recently discussed how Pant's character has changed since his injury and disclosed how having been granted a second chance at life is showing in his play.
"After the injury, he has become more responsible. He had a year to sit back and introspect. God gave him a second life, and he has realised that, and now that realisation is reflecting in his game and life. The way he was talking to Sarfaraz, guiding and encouraging him to play lofted shots," Prasad told Times of India.
"He was rotating the strike with him, giving continuous pep talks, shouting at him, and guiding him in the Bengaluru Test. The recovery period has really taught Pant a lot. At some stage in someone's career, there is always a turning point. The injury has done more good to Pant than harm," he added.
After rejoining the national squad, Pant participated in India's successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The strategic pause time used by the wicketkeeper batter altered the outcome of the match, giving India the advantage as they defeated South Africa by seven runs.
He will be motivated to keep up his current performance as India looks to bounce back from an eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand.
