India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was involved in a horrific car accident last month, is likely to be discharged from the hospital in two weeks' time while his rehabilitation process will start after a couple of months, TOI reported.
On January 7, Pant underwent surgery for a ligament tear on his right knee. Since then, the southpaw has been kept under observation by doctors to assess if the ligaments are healing naturally.
According to the report, Rishabh has had a major surgery on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and minor repair on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while the doctors are hoping the rest of his injured ligaments will heal naturally.
"All the ligaments were injured. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a cause of concern. The doctors said that MCL surgery was absolutely necessary. Now, his PCL will be assessed in two weeks. Hopefully, it will not need any further surgery. As of now, he essentially has undergone just one major surgery," a BCCI source said.
"The ligaments usually heal in four to six weeks. After that rehab and strengthening will begin. His return to play will be assessed in another two months. Pant realises that it will be a tough road. He will have to undergo counselling sessions too. It could be four to six months before he can start playing," the source added.
On 30th December 2022, Rishabh Pant’s car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun expressway and caught fire, forcing him to break the car window and get out of the vehicle.
Initially, he was treated at the Max Hospital in Dehradun for multiple injuries. However, the left-hander was shifted to Mumbai for the treatment of his right knee, which took a major impact in the near-fatal accident.
Pant is a key player for India, especially in the longest format, in the last two years. His absence from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home in February-March could India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
Meanwhile, the Indian fans will be hoping and praying for Rishabh Pant’s quick recovery and comeback to the field.
(With TOI Inputs)
