Watch: Rishabh Pant’s first hit video after car accident has taken the internet by storm. The crowd goes wild at the India star’s epic entrance

Fans rejoiced on Wednesday as Team India opener Rishabh Pant, who had been sidelined since December 2022 following a serious car accident, made a much-anticipated return to batting during a practice match at JSW Vijaynagar . A fan posted a video of some of Pant’s shots during his batting practice on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The video featured the left-handed dynamo in his element, wielding the willow with subtlety and finesse.

Pant was continuing his recovery process at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, and according to the latest official update from the BCCI – released on July 21 – the Indian star was starting to struggle as well as hold on. However, this is the first time a video of Padd returning to the cricket field has been posted on social media.

There was a significant crowd presence as Pant came to bat and his arrival at the crease was greeted by huge cheers. On one occasion, Pant also smashed a lofted shot towards the long off, which was met with huge support from the fans around the pitch.

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Pand underwent ligament surgery earlier this year after suffering multiple injuries in a car accident. “He is currently following a fitness program designed for him, which includes strength, flexibility and running,” the BCCI had said in its update on Pants.

The absence of Pant – a pivotal member of the Indian team across all formats – reverberated throughout the team’s line-up, with its impact particularly felt in Test cricket. After Pant’s unfortunate sideline due to the car accident, the selectors filled his void with KS Bharat first and then Ishan Kishan. Pant’s absence, however, was sorely felt during the World Test Championship final earlier this year, where India’s hopes of ending their 10-year ICC title drought collapsed against Australia.

As the cricketing world focuses on the One Day International (ODI) format with the World Cup slated for October-November later this year, KL Rahul is likely to take up the mantle of first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman. While Rahul’s potential and experience provide a reassuring presence in Pant’s absence, the presence of Ishan Kishan as the second-choice wicketkeeper also highlights the team’s retention depth.

Ishan showed promise in the fifty-over format during the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies, where he smashed half-centuries in all three matches. While cricket fans will be eagerly awaiting Pant’s eventual return to the fold, India will aim to end their disappointing run in ICC tournaments and rely on the collective efforts of Rahul and Ishan.

Before the World Cup, India will also participate in the Asia Cup, where the team begins its campaign against Pakistan on September 2. It is yet to be confirmed whether Rahul – who is also undergoing rehabilitation from a hamstring injury – will be available for the continental tournament.