'Such a Serious Accident, Whole World Held its Breath': Nasser Hussain Hopeful of 'Box Office' Rishabh Pant's Strong Return in 2024

It’s been exactly a year since Rishabh Pant survived a horrific car crash on his way home in Uttrakhand to surprise his family on the New Year. The past 12 months were a learning curve for the young wicketkeeper-batter who literally got a second life. He has been on the sidelines due to the injury suffered in the nasty accident but currently, he is making a strong recovery and is expected to return to the field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the subsequent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain is hoping India star Rishabh Pant can make a successful return next year. Speaking with the ICC, the former wished to see the talented 26-year-old return in time to make an impact in 2024.

“That was such a serious accident. The whole world held its breath and it has been a slow recovery,” Hussain said.

“You follow on social media, on my phone and the initial first walking steps to then scenes in the gym and then scenes of him playing a bit of cricket, scenes of him with Ricky (Ponting).

“I travelled with Ricky in the summer in the Ashes, and Ricky was texting him ‘how’s the progress coming along’, and he is a box office cricketer,” he added.

In Pant’s absence, KL Rahul has stepped has taken the role of keeping wickets and had an excellent run at the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. He amassed 452 runs at an average of 75.33.

“India have done well without him (Pant) as KL has come in and been brilliant in all formats. They’ll continue to be brilliant. They’re lucky to have both of them, but Rishabh Pant, before his injury, was box office, and hopefully, after his injury, will be box office as well,” Hussain noted.

Pant eyes return in IPL 2024

Pant has recovered at a faster rate than expected and has also resumed his training. He recently accompanied the Delhi Capitals think tank at the players’ auction in Dubai. The franchise has already confirmed that keeper-batter will return to lead the franchise in the forthcoming edition of the cash-rich tournament.