Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram heaped praise on Rishabh Pant for his remarkable comeback to international cricket after surviving a horrific car accident in December 2022.
Pant, who sustained multiple injuries and was sidelined for 14 months, has since returned to prove why he’s considered one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters of the modern game.
Akram expressed his concern when he first heard about Pant’s near-fatal accident, calling the Indian cricketer a “miracle kid” for his inspiring return. After scoring 446 runs in IPL 2024, Pant was selected for India’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in their success.
He also recently hit his sixth Test century during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.
“Pant’s comeback is nothing short of miraculous. The way he returned from his tragedy, we were all worried, even in Pakistan. I was concerned and tweeted about him. He came back and averaged 40 in the IPL, with 446 runs at a strike rate of 155. He’s a miracle kid,” Akram told Hindustan Times.
Reflecting on Pant’s mental strength, Akram added, “What he’s endured since that accident shows how mentally tough he is. His performances in Test cricket, especially his century in Australia and playing shots like reverse sweeps against Anderson and Cummins, make him special.”
Since his debut in August 2018, Pant has played 34 Tests, accumulating 2,419 runs at an impressive average of 44.80 and a strike rate of 74.09. Known for his proactive and fearless batting, Pant has rescued India from difficult situations and unsettled top bowling attacks. After his brilliant 109 off 128 balls in the first Test against Bangladesh, Pant is aiming to build on his form, with India set to play nine more Tests in the coming months.