Rishabh Pant reveals two failed comeback attempts he made before finally getting fit ahead of IPL 2024

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Rishabh Pant 14-month time away from cricket due to a near-fatal car accident is set to get over on March 23 after being declared fit by the NCA and the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2024.

In a release on Tuesday, March 12, the BCCI declared Pant fit as a wicketkeeper-batter for the IPL 2024. Pant will be seen in action on March 23 when Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh.

In an interview with the Times of India, Pant has revealed that he made two unsuccessful attempts before being finally declared fit for the IPL 2024. The 26-year-old gave a shot at the 2023 World Cup, and 5-Test series against England at home.

"I was anxious waiting to be declared fit. I was trying to get fit before the Test series against England. BCCI and NCA were very helpful. BCCI secretary Jay Shah took personal interest. They didn't want to rush me to the longest format. They slowly built up the workload. That was the best part of the recovery. You have to appreciate if someone takes care of you like that. They suggested that I start with T20s and then increase the workload," Pant told Times of India.

"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 per cent. But my knee couldn’t take the load. That was where I started pushing myself more. When you start giving yourself shorter goals, that helps in pushing yourself. It’s like building a good Test innings," Pant added.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 starting from June 1, Pant would be eyeing for a good IPL 2024 campaign to put forward his case for a place in the India squad. Pant would be facing competitions from the likes of KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel.