India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continues to be on the road to recovery after surviving a horrific car crash in December 2022.

The southpaw sustained multiple injuries in that accident and he is still undergoing rehabilitation, which has kept him out of action for the entire 2023.

Fortunately, Pant’s recovery has been “better than expected” and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) seems to be pleased with his progress.

“Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Especially the knee after ligament tears and surgeries. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping. The load on the body will be gradually increased now and running at 100% intensity is likely to begin from next week,” a source close to the development told News18 CricketNext.

After the accident, Pant had to undergo surgery for a ligament tear in his right knee. But his recovery is on the right track as he is being able to run both on the ground as well as on the treadmill.

“As I said, running – ground and on the treadmill – has begun but it’s not high intensity yet. Say 80-90% but not full intensity yet. There are sessions on the spin bike too but right now it’s more about getting the body ready for those pressure tests – high intensity training and match simulations.

“So lifting and muscle work has also begun to add strength. He has started compound exercises, the ones which work on multiple muscle groups at the same time, and lot of attention is being paid to lower-body strength and conditioning,” a source told News18 CricketNext.

According to News18 CricketNext, Rishabh Pant could be match ready when India face England in a five-match Test series at home, starting 25th January 2024. However, both BCCI and NCA are unlikely to let him return in the longest format.

“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. Just like they did with Bumrah who first played T20Is vs Ireland before playing the 50-over format. The manner in which both NCA and BCCI handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant. The bigger picture and complete fitness of Pant is important. So IPL looks like a viable option for now,” the source added.

Last month, Delhi Capitals (DC) team director Sourav Ganguly said that Rishabh will feature in the upcoming IPL 2024 season.

“He’s (Pant) good now. He will play in the IPL next season,” Ganguly had said in an interaction with reporters.

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.