For him to come back from there – Ravi Shastri’s emotional tribute to Rishabh Pant’s comeback

India rode on a solid display from Rishabh Pant with the bat on a very tricky surface before their bowlers unleashed a phenomenal performance to lead the lines against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup clash. Pant scored a gritty 42 that kept the Indian engine going after a flawed start.

This is Pant’s first international appearance in a tournament and also in the Indian threads ever since his life-threatening accident back in 2023. Chances were pretty much on the lower side of him ever returning to the sport again but his relentless determination laced with his hunger to be back to the international arcade defied all odds.

Former Indian coach, Ravi Shastri, who shared a very special bond with Rishabh Pant during his coaching days had a very emotional message for the Indian wicket-keeper. Underscoring his athletic brilliance from a point of no-return, Shastri was unreserved in his praises for the young southpaw.

While awarding the medal for the best fielder against Pakistan to Pant in the Indian dressing room, Shastri said, “I had tears in my eyes when I read about his accident. And when I saw him in hospital, it was even worse. And then for him to come back from there and be back in the A-zone playing one of the biggest games of all time – India vs Pakistan – is heartwarming.”

He further added, “Batting… everybody knew what you were capable of – the X-factor you have, but your wicketkeeping and the range of movement that had got back so quickly after the operation is a tribute to how much you worked hard. And not just for yourself, it's an inspiration to millions across the globe that from adversity and jaws of death, you can snatch a win as well. So well done, fantastic. Keep up the good work, and keep going. Enjoy, guys; well played today."

Pant was in sensational form even on the field where he claimed three important catches, two of them being absolute bangers. Also with the surface keeping low, the Indian wicket-keeper had a sharp eye for keeping things in check as the Men in Blue showed unyielding resolve in a low-scoring banger.