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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rishabh Pant's journey to recovery following his serious car accident in December 2022 has been a testament to his resilience and determination. During his appearance on Shikhar Dhawan's "Dhawan Karenge" show on Jio Cinema, Pant revealed some harrowing details about his ordeal and the challenges he faced in his path to recovery.

Pant described the initial months following the accident as extremely difficult. He was unable to perform basic tasks, such as brushing his teeth, for two months due to the severity of his injuries. He endured excruciating pain for 6–7 months, which added to the physical and mental strain of his recovery process. This period was marked by multiple surgeries on his right knee, totaling three operations, which were necessary to address the extensive damage from the accident.

In addition to the physical challenges, Pant also faced significant emotional and psychological hurdles. He admitted to feeling insecure and reluctant to go out in public, particularly to the airport, because he was in a wheelchair and apprehensive about how people would react to seeing him in such a vulnerable state.

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Despite these challenges, Pant's unwavering self-belief and confidence were crucial in his recovery. His determination and positive mindset played a significant role in helping him overcome the odds and make a remarkable return to competitive cricket after 14 months. Pant's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming life's adversities.

"Self-belief and self-confidence are very important while recovering from an injury because there are people saying all sorts of things around you, and you, as an individual, have to think about what's good for you," Pant said.

Pant defied all the odds as he underwent a rigorous period of rehabilitation and be fully fit ahead of IPL 2024. The wicketkeeper-batter was grateful to God for saving him after the harrowing accident.

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"The accident was a life-changing experience for me. When I got up after it, I wasn't even sure if I would be alive, but God was very kind to save me."

"I couldn't even brush my teeth for two months, and for six to seven months, I suffered with unbearable pain."

"I couldn't go to the airport because I was nervous about facing people in a wheelchair."

Rishabh Pant's return to cricket as the captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of stellar. After a harrowing recovery period following his car accident in December 2022, Pant not only returned to competitive cricket but also led his team with remarkable performances.

Pant emerged as DC's leading run-scorer for the season, amassing 446 runs in 13 games with an impressive strike rate of 155.40. His contributions included three half-centuries, showcasing his resilience and skill. Reflecting on his comeback, Pant shared his mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness about this new chapter in his life and career. He expressed his outlook on this phase as a "second life," emphasizing his eagerness and anticipation over feeling pressured.

His outstanding performance in the IPL earned him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. Pant joined the first batch of Indian players flying to the USA for the tournament, marking another significant milestone in his recovery and return to international cricket. His journey back to the sport has been inspirational, highlighting his unwavering dedication and the significant role of self-belief in overcoming adversity.