Rishabh Pant's journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From his explosive arrival on the international cricket scene to the horrific car accident in December 2022 that threatened his career, and then his remarkable comeback, Pant has constantly been in the spotlight. Now, as he stands on the cusp of the five-match Test series against England, with the added responsibility of being the Indian vice-captain, there's a palpable sense that more is riding on his shoulders than ever before.
Pant's nomination for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year 2025 Award is a testament to his resilience and determination. The award recognizes athletes who have overcome significant adversity to return to triumph in their sport. Pant's story, surviving a near-fatal car crash and returning to play for India, is undeniably inspiring. After multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, he made a comeback to cricket almost two years after the accident. On his comeback Test, he scored a match-winning century against Bangladesh, equalling MS Dhoni's record for the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper. He also played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory shortly after returning to the national team.
However, the weight of expectations can be immense. After fetching a record INR 27 crore deal from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant faced scrutiny as his form dipped. There were questions about his batting position, his clarity of role, and his ability to justify the hefty price tag. Despite a sensational unbeaten century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final league match, LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs, adding to the pressure on Pant.
Now, appointed as the vice-captain for the Test series against England, Pant acknowledges the added responsibilities. Ahead of the series, Pant stated that it doesn't matter if one is the captain or the vice-captain, he will have to contribute. He emphasized that he always gives his best on the field, and his mindset hasn't changed. Pant further added that he may have a lot of authority now but he is not thinking about it. The series marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it crucial for both India and England.
Pant's recent form in Test cricket has been encouraging. He last played in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series 2024/25 against Australia, where he played decent knocks of 40 and 61. He will be looking to continue that form in England, where the pitches are known to favor pacers.
Despite the pressures, Pant maintains a positive outlook. He recognizes the need to "switch off" and not think about cricket before the England series, ensuring he prepares in a good frame of mind. His focus remains on contributing his best to the team, regardless of the leadership role.
Ultimately, Rishabh Pant's journey is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit to overcome adversity. While the weight of expectations may be heavy, Pant's talent, combined with his renewed focus and positive mindset, suggests that he is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and deliver for India on the grand stage. Whether he looks 'stupid' attempting a risky shot or crafts a match-winning innings, Pant's commitment to the game and his team remains paramount.
