Rishabh Pant makes huge strides in fitness; begins facing 140 kmph-plus deliveries in NCA nets

One of India’s premier players across all formats, Rishabh Pant is making significant progress in fitness as he continues his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The wicket-keeper batter suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022 and has since been out of cricket action, leaving a huge void in Team India and the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals.

Pant had suffered cuts to his forehead, a torn ligament on his right knee, and injuries to his right wrist, ankle and toe. The 25-year-old has missed the 2024 IPL season and the Test Championship final, and is likely to miss upcoming major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. However, the southpaw is recovering faster than expected with the latest reports suggesting that he has even started batting practice in the nets.

During his rehab, Pant has been giving regular updates on his fitness status on social media for his fans. He started taking throwdowns last month and now, according to RevSports, he is facing deliveries of more than 140 kmph. The report also says that he is doing keeping practise, and his next goal is to improve body movements.

“Rishabh has been making a fine recovery. He has started to take on deliveries with a speed excess of 140 kmph. We all are delighted with the way he has been crossing every hurdle in his recovery. He is keeping well. His next target will be to focus on larger and quicker body movements, which we aim to achieve in the next couple of months,” the report quoted a source as saying.

Pant has made significant progress in his rehabilitation: Indian Cricket Board

Apart from Pant, senior players like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer were also in the NCA for rehabilitation following injuries. Bumrah regained fitness and was given the green signal to return to the field during the Ireland T20I series, while Rahul and Iyer are sweating it out to return to action ahead of the major tournaments. Earlier, in a report released by the Indian Cricket Board on July 21, it was mentioned that Pant has shown good signs of recovery.

“He [Rishabh Pant] has made significant progress in his rehabilitation and has commenced batting as well as keeping in the nets. He is currently following a fitness programme designed for him which includes strength, flexibility and running,” the statement read.