Rishabh Pant’s Fiery Crash To Glorious Comeback: A Story Of Steel And Spirit
A deadly car crash in December 2022 nearly ended Rishabh Pant’s career. But after 635 days of pain, surgeries, and doubt, he scripted one of cricket’s greatest comeback stories ever.

Sports News: Pant was returning home to Roorkee from Delhi when his speeding car hit a divider and burst into flames. He suffered multiple injuries including a dislocated knee, skin loss, and deep tissue damage. A passerby saved his life from the burning vehicle and rushed him to Dehradun. Later, he was airlifted to Mumbai for advanced care. Doctors feared long-term disability, but Pant held on. His condition left the cricketing world shaken and speechless.
‘Will I Play Again?’ – Pant
His first words to doctors weren’t about pain, but play. “Will I ever play again?” he asked, while his mother’s concern was more grounding: “Will he even walk again?” Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who led his treatment, knew the odds were against him. The ligament injuries were complex. Reconstruction of his entire knee was necessary. What followed was a medical marathon of healing, patience, and resilience over several months.
Deadly Risk Of Amputation
According to Dr. Pardiwala, Pant narrowly escaped a fate worse than retirement—amputation. With a high-velocity knee dislocation, the chances of vascular damage are extremely high. If blood flow is not restored within six hours, limb loss becomes imminent. Pant, however, was lucky. His artery remained intact despite broken ligaments and shredded skin. That alone gave doctors a chance to rebuild, and him a window to dream again.
Missed World Cup, But Waited
Pant missed IPL 2023 and the ODI World Cup held at home—a heartbreaking void in a crucial phase of his career. But he didn’t rush. Months were spent in intense physiotherapy, balance training, and strengthening exercises. Each step forward was a small victory. With cameras off and applause missing, the warrior in him was silently fighting. Cricket had to wait, and India had to hope.
Historic Return With Delhi Capitals
He finally returned to the field in IPL 2024 with Delhi Capitals. Not just as a player, but as a leader. Fans cried seeing him behind the stumps again. He didn’t just play—he performed. His glovework was sharp, his bat fluent, and his voice commanding. And then came Barbados. He was part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign, cementing his fairytale return to the sport.
Twin Centuries Seal Redemption
As if fate wanted a full circle, Pant scored twin centuries against England at Leeds in the recent Test series. He didn’t just return—he ruled. The cheers he once feared he’d never hear again, now followed every shot he played. Rishabh Pant’s journey is no longer just about runs or records. It’s about survival, grit, and rising from fire, both literally and metaphorically.