Rishabh Pant nominated for Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award

After surviving a tragic vehicle accident in December 2022, the Indian cricket team's daring batsman-keeper has returned to action and is nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award 2025 in the Comeback of the Year category. The awards ceremony will be held in Madrid on April 21.

 On December 30, 2022, Pant was traveling from Delhi to his birthplace of Roorkee when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident.  Pant had his first medical care at a Dehradun hospital before being airlifted to Mumbai, where the BCCI's specialist consultant looked after him.

 Following the reconstruction of his right knee's three ligaments, Pant underwent rehabilitation at Bengaluru's National Cricket Academy.

After an incredible recuperation, the 27-year-old played for his former IPL team, the Delhi Capitals, against the Punjab Kings at Mullanpur last year.

 Then, in his first Test match since his car tragedy, Pant made a spectacular comeback, hitting a century against Bangladesh.  His efforts enabled India to win by 280 runs.  

Shortly after returning to the national team, Pant was instrumental in India's victory at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.  At the 2025 mega-auction, he also became the most expensive player in IPL history.

 "It was really difficult for me to return to competitive cricket, so when the time finally came, after a protracted mental and physical struggle, it was very satisfying," Pant said. 

It was a triumph of faith and strict rituals, and it seemed very personal.  My family, the BCCI, the physicians, the medical team, the support staff, the trainers, and the fans all contributed to my recovery, therefore, it is very significant to me to be nominated for the Laureus World Recovery of the Year Award.

 Gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who won gold in Paris 2024 after a grueling battle with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, joins Pant on the shortlist.