Rishabh Pant was lucky to survive a horrific car crash in December 2022.
Recalling the horrific day, Pant admitted that he feared the amputation of his right leg in the aftermath of the accident.
"If there was any nerve damage, there was a possibility of amputation. That is when I felt scared," Pant said in Star Sports series 'Believe: To Death & Back' which documents his recovery.
"I had taken an SUV, but what I was seeing was a sedan," he quipped as he remembered his mangled vehicle.
Recounting the initial moments after the crash, the 26-year-old said he was in severe pain as his right knee had dislocated.
"There was someone around so I asked if he could help getting the leg back in the position. He helped the knee get back in place."
Two persons Rajat Kumar and Nishu Kumar pulled Rishabh Pant out of his SUV before it caught fire.
"It was the first time I had such a feeling in life. At the time of the accident, I was aware of the wounds, but I was lucky as it could have been even more serious," he recollected.
After receiving initial treatment in Dehradun, BCCI got him airlifted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Ambani hospital, where he underwent surgery for his knee injury.
Subsequently, the left-hander underwent an extended rehabilitation period at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Talking about the recovery period, Pant said: "I am focusing on recovery cut off from the world. It helps me in recovering fast, especially when the injury is so serious. For recovery you have to do the same thing every day. It's boring, it's irritating, it's frustrating, but you have to do it."
Rishabh Pant revealed that the doctor gave him an estimated time frame of 16 to 18 months for recovery.
"Till the time I start playing cricket, I don't want to plan much for the future. I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover. I told him that everybody is speaking different things, but you will give me the most clarity about it.
"He (Doctor) said it would take 16 to 18 months. I told the doctor from whatever timeline you give me, I will reduce six months from it," said Pant.
Rishabh Pant was last seen in action during the tour of Bangladesh in December 2022. Mirpur Test against Bangladesh was his last appearance before he met with the accident.
While there is no clarity on his comeback yet, reports are claiming that he will return to action in the 2024 edition of Indian Premier League for the Delhi Capitals.
(With PTI Inputs)