'Conversations with VVS Laxman, good meal': Rishabh Pant details recovery process and how he has changed

Rishabh Pant will soon be back in action as the Delhi Capitals captain has been declared fit by the BCCI to play as a wicketkeeper-batter in the cash-rich T20 league which starts in 22 March. Delhi Capitals start their campaign against Punjab Kings on 23 March at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium and that would in all probability be Pant’s comeback game after a gap of more than a year since he met a horrific car accident.

On 30 December 2022, Pant was driving his hometown Roorkee from Delhi when he reportedly dozed off resulting into a collision between his car and a divider. The India cricketer suffered multiple severe injuries due to the accident including a ligament tear in his right knee, abrasion on back and cuts on forehead. The 26-year-old had also revealed earlier that damage to his right leg was so severe that any more harm could have led to amputation.

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Nonetheless, Pant has scripted an incredible comeback after spending a year at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he worked towards regaining match fitness. The India wicketkeeper-batter, in a recent interview with Times of India, revealed how he managed his mental health during the long recovery period, how BCCI and NCA helped him to get back in shape and how he has changed as a person after surviving a horrifying car accident.

Freedom to eat

Pant revealed that at the start of his 14-month treatment and recovery period, he gave himself the full freedom to eat what he liked. As per him, eating what he wanted “kept him sane” during the first few months as he stopped worrying about weight gain. Later with the help of nutrition experts and intense workouts, Pant got back in shape before being declared fit by BCCI.

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“For the first few months, I was enjoying myself when it came to food because that was the only thing that kept me sane. I was so frustrated that I thought I can’t deny myself a good meal,” Pant told TOI. “There was nothing much I could have done. But later on, I started working very hard on my fitness and nutrition. We now have a dedicated team looking after my nutrition. I gave myself about three months of intense workout. I know I am strongly built to endure that. I just had to get rid of a little bit of extra weight and nutrition played a key role in that.”

BCCI’s crucial advice

Pant also revealed that he was targeting the Test series against England for his return. The Test series started in late January, but that idea was shelved as it was felt by BCCI that it would not be wise to rush him into the longest format. Instead, it was planned that Pant should begin with T20s.

“I was anxious waiting to be declared fit. I was trying to get fit before the Test series against England. BCCI and NCA were very helpful. BCCI secretary Jay Shah took personal interest. They didn’t want to rush me to the longest format. They slowly built up the workload. That was the best part of the recovery. You have to appreciate if someone takes care of you like that. They suggested that I start with T20s and then increase the workload.”

Life conversations with VVS Laxman

Pant spent about a year at NCA during his recovery process and it was natural for him to feel upset ad frustrated. He shared how conversations with Indian cricketing great VVS Laxman helped him.

“Mostly, I had conversations with VVS Laxman (NCA head) about life in general. There was so much frustration. I used to be frustrated even if someone tried speaking with me. Sometimes, you take it out on people without any fault of theirs.”

How he has changed

Talking about the impact the car accident and the recovery process have had on his personality, Pant shared that the experience has made him more humble and spiritual.

“I wanted to retain my identity. I never felt like I had to change drastically. You want to add things that help you. Gratitude towards life has increased a lot. You start appreciating small things about life.”