Thank God, He's Alive: Shikhar Dhawan's Moving Remark on Rishabh Pant
IPL 2023: Rishabh Pant is Delhi's highest run-getter (iplt20.com)
Not just Indian cricket but the whole cricketing fraternity was shocked when the heart-wrenching photographs of Rishabh Pant's car crash went viral on social media last December. With God's grace, the Indian cricketer survived that near-to-death experience and is recovering well from that accident.
As a result of that unfortunate incident, Pant tore his right knee's ligament and suffered abrasion injuries on his back and a few bruises here and there. However, he has gotten discharged from the hospital and has now started his rehab.
Talking about his India and former Delhi Capitals teammate, Indian veteran Shikhar Dhawan said he is thankful that the young keeper-batter is fine. He recalled the incident from the past where he asked Pant to drive safely.
"Firstly, I am happy and thankful to the almighty that he's (Rishabh Pant) alive and survived that kind of accident. He is recovering well," Dhawan said in an interview to Aajtak.
"I saw him drive once, and I told him to drive cars slowly. I didn't even remember that interview, I don't know how it cropped up on social media."
The Indian veteran opener further emphasized the viral video, saying that mistakes do happen when one is in their early twenties, but a youngster should be careful while driving.
"I spoke my heart that day. But when you are 20-21, you have that extra enthusiasm in your life... it's not like Rishabh drove his car rashly, at that age, I have also driven rashly. Many others would have done the same. At these times, you have to keep your adrenaline rush in check, it's important. Yes, I did give him advice," Dhawan added.
The car accident has put Pant's cricket career on a halt and his rehab might take a year or so. However, the Indian team management would hope that the trailblazer miraculously makes an inspirational comeback before the ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year.
The 37-year-old, on the other hand, is out of favour and will be gunning to return to the international fold with his performances in the upcoming IPL, where he will lead Punjab Kings.
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