Ricky Ponting was amazed by Rishabh Pant’s impressive comeback to professional world cricket after an accident that almost killed him.
He was one of the top run-getters in the recently concluded IPL season, scoring an aggregate of 446 runs at a strike rate of 155.4 and an average of 40.54 besides taking 16 catches behind the wickets which was jointly highest in the tournament.
Ponting acknowledged having reservations about Pant playing again due to psychological and physical issues that resulted from his accident.
“It is just spectacular actually. I spent some time with him last year during the IPL period, which was only like three or four months after he had his accident. And I remember thinking then that he might not play cricket anymore because mentally what he’d been through but physically as well. At that stage, he couldn’t even walk,” Ponting told The ICC Review.
The former Aussie captain praised Pant’s fighting spirit in rehab and his team Delhi Capitals outfit who stood by him alongside physio Patrick Farhart.
“He was on crutches. And I said to him what are you thinking about next year? He looked at me and said don’t worry, I’ll be right. But he has looked after himself superbly well since then. Fantastic work from Delhi Capitals looking after him, Patrick Farhart has done a great job too,” added the ex-Australia skipper.
While there were no doubts about Pant’s batting abilities, concerns arose regarding his ability to handle the physical demands of wicketkeeping throughout the tournament.
“No one had any real questions about his batting cause he’s so good and dynamic with it- you can see how fluid he is at times, but when it comes down to keeping, is there a concern where for about 14 games you’re squatting each ball?” Ponting wondered aloud.
Pant’s exceptional fielding display coupled with good displays using bat secured his position in the T20 World Cup squad for India, just as Ponting had predicted.
“So really nice to see him back out there playing again. I’ve loved every second of working with him. He’s obviously been the captain of Delhi Capitals and I have been the coach there. But it’s been an unbelievable comeback and hopefully he has a massive influence on this World Cup,” said the 49-year-old.
