FILE – India’s Rishabh Pant (AP Photo/Jon Super, File) India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Tuesday offered a positive report on his recovery, saying his fitness is steadily improving and he is optimistic about an early return to competitive cricket. Pant was speaking on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League, where he participated as co-owner of the Mumbai Pickle Power. The 28-year-old revealed that he has been working extensively at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation programme.
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“My fitness is improving day by day. I am working hard at the Center of Excellence and I think I will be out (on the field) soon,” Pant said. Pant emphasized how important it was for him to remain mentally connected to cricket during long spells off the field. He credited his deep love for the game, along with the support of those around him, for helping him overcome the challenges of recovery. “When I’m injured, the one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love of the game and the support from the people around you,” he said. The left-hander also spoke about the need for constant development as a professional athlete, stressing that improvement doesn’t stop even during layoffs after injury. “As a cricketer, you have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to improve in every single aspect of my overall game,” Pant said. Reflecting on the multiple comebacks he has made in his career, Pant noted that his time away from cricket has given him a new perspective on the sport and life outside it. However, he admitted that being cut from the top flight remains the hardest part of being laid off due to injury. “Each return has taught me something about life. It’s taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you, and wanting to be committed to something that really makes you happy.” “When I’m injured, what I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it when you play it at the highest level. That’s something I really miss,” he signed. Pant has been sidelined since January 10 after suffering a torn right internal oblique muscle during practice in Vadodara when he was hit above the waist by the throwdown specialist.
