Star Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, who is currently undergoing treatment for injuries that he suffered during a life-threatening car crash on Friday morning (December 30) near Roorkee, is likely to stay away from cricket for a considerable period of time. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, whose last appearance for India was against Bangladesh last week during the second Test of a two-match series in Dhaka, crashed his car into a divider on Friday morning near Roorkee.
The cricketer suffered multiple injuries in this unfortunate accident but is out of danger and is currently being treated by doctors in Dehradun’s Max Hospital. According to the official update provided by BCCI on Friday afternoon, Pant has suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee, and has also hurt his right wrist, ankle, and toe, and has suffered abrasion injuries on his back.
As per a report in The Times of India, in which the publication quoted a doctor who looks after the sports injury department at AIIMS-Rishikesh, Pant will take at least three to six months to recover from the ligament injury that he suffered.
“Pant will take at least three to six months to recover from the ligament injury. And if it’s severe, he may take more time. Further evaluation can be based on his detailed injury report,” Dr Qamar Azam, who looks after the sports injury department at AIIMS-Rishikesh, told TOI when asked about the severity of Pant’s injuries.
If Pant takes six months to get fully fit, then it will be impossible for him to play in the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia and the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League. The 25-year-old is an important member of India’s Test team, especially because he has consistently delivered in the longest format. India, which is ranked second in the World Test Championship, will host four Tests against Australia beginning February 9.
Pant’s absence will force India to either hand KS Bharat his Test debut in the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy or bring back Wriddhiman Saha, who now plays for Tripura in domestic cricket after leaving Bengal.
As far as the IPL is concerned, the Delhi Capitals will also have to search out another wicketkeeper-batter and, more importantly, an able leader to lead them in the 2023 edition of the cash-rich league.
