India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was involved in a horrific car accident in the wee hours of Friday (December 30) while going to his hometown Roorkee from Delhi.
Pant's car collided with a divider and caught fire, forcing him to break the car window and get out of the vehicle. Luckily for the southpaw, a Haryana Roadways bus driver and conductor arrived at the spot of the accident immediately and helped him reach a hospital.
Rishabh is currently being treated at a hospital in Dehradun for multiple injuries to his head, back, and leg. According to reports, he will be out of action for at least six months.
Meanwhile, the Indian squad picked for the T20I series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 3) shared heartwarming messages for Pant, wishing a speedy recovery to the swashbuckling left-hander.
"Rishabh, hope you are doing well. Hope you get well soon. Over the last one year, I have had the privilege of watching you play some of the greatest innings in Indian Test history. Whenever we have been in difficult situations, you have got the character to get ourselves out of these difficult situations. This is one such challenge, I know you are gonna bounce back like you have done so many times...," India head coach Rahul Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI.
India’s new T2I skipper Hardik Pandya also wished a speedy recovery to "fighter" Pant.
"Hi Rishabh, just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. I know you have been a fighter and things are not the way you would have liked, but life is life. You will break all the doors and make a comeback as you have always done. My love and wishes are with you. The whole team and nation are behind you," said Hardik.
Hardik’s deputy Suryakumar Yadav also sent his best wishes to Pant. "Wishing you a speedy recovery. I know what the situation is right now. We miss you here and cannot wait to have you back. You have always been a fighter on-field and I know you will be back soon," he stated.
In his message, wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal said: "Get well soon, we will hit fours and sixes together."
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and opener Shubman Gill also extended their best wishes to Rishabh Pant.
"On behalf of the Indian cricket team, wish you a speedy recovery. We all know you are going to get through it. Hoping to see you soon. Lots of love," said Gill.
Earlier, the BCCI had released a statement, saying that the board will support Pant in coming out of this traumatic phase.
“The BCCI is in constant touch with Rishabh’s family while the Medical Team is in close contact with the doctors currently treating Rishabh. The Board will see to it that Rishabh receives the best possible medical care and gets all the support he needs to come out of this traumatic phase,” the statement read.
