(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Indian and Delhi Capitals (DC) cricketer Rishabh Pant miraculously survived a severe car accident on December 30, 2022, while traveling from Delhi to Roorkee, his hometown in Uttarakhand. Rescued from his burning car by locals, Pant was quickly taken to a hospital. On the anniversary of this harrowing event, DC released a touching tribute video highlighting his recovery journey.
In the tribute, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel shares his experience upon learning about Pant’s accident. He recounts receiving calls from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), Shardul Thakur, and Ishant Sharma’s wife, Pratima Singh, who were among the first to hear about the incident. Patel then contacted Pant’s manager, who reassured him of Pant’s safety.
Patel recalls his initial fear upon hearing the news, thinking the worst had happened to Pant. However, after speaking with Pant’s manager, who confirmed Pant’s safety but was uncertain about the extent of his injuries, Patel felt relieved, confident in Pant’s resilience.
“Morning around 7 or 8, my phone started ringing. I got a call from Pratima Di (Ishant Sharma’s wife), she asked me ‘when was the last time you spoke to Rishabh’. I said ‘I was going to call him yesterday but I didn’t. She said ‘ If you have his mother’s number then send me, he has met with an accident. When I first heard this, I feared the worst (ye bhai gaya),” shared Patel.
“BCCI, Shardul everyone started calling me thinking I must’ve been the one who spoke to Rishabh last. I called Rishabh’s manager, he said ‘Everything’s fine. How much damage his body has, we don’t know yet but he’s safe. After that, I ended the call and took a deep breath. I was assured that he’ll fight, he’s a fighter,” he added.
In a significant announcement for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, DC confirmed that Pant will not only play but also lead the team. DC, having struggled in the 2023 season and finishing second-last, are eager for a strong comeback with Pant’s return.