In December 2022, Pant’s Mercedes SUV crashed north of New Delhi, resulting in multiple injuries as the car flipped over and caught fire. He was immediately taken to a hospital and later airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment and surgery. Pant underwent an intensive rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to recover from a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions on his back.
Pant expressed his eagerness to return to the game and his disappointment at missing out on last year’s ODI World Cup. He said, “It was very upsetting. We discussed with the NCA team that we will take a shot at the World Cup. All of us tried 200 percent, but my knee couldn’t take the load.” Although he had hoped to be fit for India’s recent Test series against England, Pant mentioned that the cricket board decided not to rush his return.
The accident has had a profound impact on Pant’s perspective. He said, “Gratitude towards life has increased a lot. You start appreciating small things about life.” Pant has represented India in 129 matches across all three formats since his international debut in 2017. Last year, he was replaced as skipper of the Delhi Capitals by David Warner.
