Rishabh Pant and Narendra Modi. (Source – Rishabh Pant)
Rishabh Pant has been a beacon of inspiration for many as he stepped onto the field after a horrific car accident on 30th December 2022. It took over 15 months for the wicketkeeper-batter to return to the field. He was inducted straightaway into the T20 World Cup 2024 squad after a good showing in IPL 2024 and as India managed to clinch the trophy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his comeback and recalled the dreadful moments.
Indian team reached Delhi on July 4 after becoming champion in Barbados on June 29. They met with PM Modi and during the talk, PM quizzed Pant about his second innings after the accident. The southpaw mentioned that the PM called his mother during the tough times and the latter added that he even asked the doctors whether the cricketer needs to travel abroad for better treatment.
“Your journey of recovery was difficult. I used to see your (social media) posts, showing you have done this much on this day and this much the next day. First I had discussed with the doctors and took their opinion before speaking to your mother. I told them if he (Pant) needs treatment outside India, please take him and do that. It’s amazing that your mother had the confidence. I felt a person who has such a mother will never fail. I had that opinion and you showed that to the world,” said PM as quoted by The Week.
“When I spoke to you, you said it (the accident) was your fault. That is a big thing, you did not give an excuse, like there was a ditch etc. It was your openness. I take note of small things in life and learn from others. You will inspire the people of India,” he added.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi hugs Rishabh Pant during India’s T20 World Cup celebration
Pant stood up during the league stages of World Cup
Pant was instrumental during the league stages of the tournament as the batter produced a match-winning knock against arch-rivals Pakistan. He scored a crucial 42 runs and amassed 171 in the tournament batting at number three. However, the batter looked out of touch in the knockout scoring four and a duck in the semifinal and final respectively.