Cricket

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Rishabh Pant's recovery from a horrific car accident as a "miracle." Shastri visited Pant in the hospital shortly after the incident and was initially uncertain about his cricketing future."Honestly, if you had seen him, you would not have given him a hope in hell to play cricket again," Shastri said. "He was in terrible shape. I went to see him in hospital a month after he was injured. He was battered and bruised, scarred all over."Pant underwent a major operation and had stitches all over his body. Shastri said that from that point, for him to recover and play cricket again was a miracle."To then go on and play in a World Cup-winning team and be a part of the Test team is a truly remarkable achievement," Shastri added.Pant has been in incredible form since his return to the game, averaging 62 on his two tours of Australia. Shastri said that Pant returns to Australia for this tour in form and as a man Australia fears, an unthinkable prospect when he was bailed up in hospital unable to walk."When you speak to him now, the respect he has for the game is even more," Shastri said. "He was nowhere. Suddenly he is back and he values that. But I have seen him work really, really hard over the past few months to get in to the shape he is to play Test cricket."Pant's accident occurred in December 2022 while he was returning to his hometown from New Delhi. He had a narrow escape thanks to some good Samaritans and his own presence of mind, which prompted him to break the windshield of his car."First time in my life I had that feeling of letting it go. I felt my time in this world was over," Pant had said. "When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me. I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been. Doctors even spoke to me about amputation."Pant was later airlifted to Mumbai, where he underwent reconstruction in three knee ligaments."I asked the doctor how long it would take for me to recover. He said it would take 16 to 18 months," Pant said. "I told the doctor that whatever timeline he gave me, I would reduce six months from it."Pant's determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now back playing at the highest level. His recovery is a testament to his resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Shah Rukh Khan Expresses Horror Over Rishabh Pant's Accident, Lauds His ComebackBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has shared his heartfelt reaction to the horrific car accident that sidelined Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant for over 15 months. In December 2022, Pant was involved in a near-fatal crash that sent shockwaves through the nation."That was horrifying. I saw that video (of his car). It was horrifying!" Khan exclaimed. "Because we didn't know then, what was the result of that accident. So, you get the worst feelings."Khan, who is known for his close ties to the Indian cricket team, expressed his deep concern for Pant's well-being. "To me, these boys are like my own sons," he said. "I have youngsters in my team as well. I hoped he wasn't injured badly."The actor acknowledged the devastating impact injuries can have on athletes. "A sportsman getting injured, it's a double jeopardy. Worse than that, us getting injured," he said. "I wish him all the best. I hope his knee gets fully recovered soon."Khan recently met Pant at an Indian Premier League (IPL) match and was impressed by his recovery. "In the last game, when I met him, I was telling him don't get up, it must be hurting," he recalled. "I was hugging him and asking are you well? I had not seen him before that, post the accident. I am really happy that he's back, playing well and I hope he keeps on playing well."Pant's return to form has been remarkable. He has scored 385 runs in 10 IPL matches, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. His sharp work behind the stumps has also earned him praise from Delhi Capitals' director of cricket Sourav Ganguly and coach Ricky Ponting, who believe he should be considered for the T20 World Cup in June.Khan's heartfelt words highlight the deep bond between Bollywood and Indian cricket. The actor's support for Pant is a testament to the resilience and determination of the young cricketer, who has overcome adversity to return to the field stronger than ever.

Robin Minz, the 21-year-old tribal cricketer from Jharkhand, who made headlines at the IPL 2024 auction, has met with an accident, his father confirmed on Sunday. The promising left-handed batter, known for his big-hitting abilities, was bought by the Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs 3.60 crore.According to reports, Minz was riding a Kawasaki superbike when he collided with another bike and lost control. The accident resulted in severe damage to the front half of his bike, and Minz sustained bruises on his right knee. He is currently under observation, but his father, Francis Minz, assured that his condition is not serious.Minz's cricketing journey has been guided by experienced coach Chanchal Bhattacharya, who also mentored former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Originally from Gumla district in Jharkhand, Minz came into the spotlight when he was noticed by the Mumbai Indians, who facilitated his training in the United Kingdom.Despite not yet representing Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy, Minz has been part of the state's U19 and U25 teams. He has also undergone trials with various IPL franchises, including Lucknow Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.In the lead-up to the IPL 2024 auction, Minz garnered attention during the mock auction, with former India cricketer Robin Uthappa describing him as the "left-handed Kieron Pollard." His impressive performances in domestic tournaments and his potential as a big-hitter made him a sought-after player in the auction.Minz's accident is a setback, but his father expressed confidence that he will recover quickly and continue his cricketing journey. He is expected to make his IPL debut in the upcoming season, where he will likely compete with experienced Indian keeper Wriddhiman Saha for a spot in the playing XI.