What Rishabh Pant said about his recovery from injury and return to field
Mumbai: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League that his recovery from injury is progressing well and he hopes to return to competitive cricket soon. He was present at the event as the co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power.
Pant was seen interacting with young fans as part of the team's grassroots outreach initiative, which included over 150 children. Pant is continuing his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
"My fitness is improving day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and I think I will be back on the field soon," Pant said.
The 27-year-old spoke about the importance of staying connected to the sport during his long injury layoff. He praised his passion for cricket and the support system around him for helping him through the recovery phase.
"When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the sport and the support of the people around you," he said.
Pant also emphasized that injuries have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in his game as a professional cricketer. "As a cricketer, you always have to keep improving your game. I have to keep trying to get better in every aspect of my overall gameplay," he said.
Reflecting on his multiple comebacks in his career, Pant said that being away from the field has improved his perspective on both cricket and life. However, he acknowledged that the lack of top-level competition remains the most challenging part of being sidelined.
"Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has taught me to be more grateful, how you look at things around you, and to be committed to something that truly makes you happy," he said.
Rishabh Pant said, "When I'm injured, the thing I miss most is truly enjoying the game. You love the sport so much, but even when you're playing at the top level, you still enjoy it. That's something I really miss."