"He'd never play..." - Australia legend confesses he feared the worst for Rishabh Pant after car accident

Former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey recently revealed his fear that he would never see Rishabh Pant play cricket again after the horrific car accident in December 2022. Hussey also labeled Pant's return as an "amazing achievement".

Rishabh Pant suffered a life-threatening car accident in 2022. At one time, it seemed difficult for him to make a comeback in professional cricket. However, the wicketkeeper-batter didn't lose hope and came back successfully.

Not only did he make a comeback, but Pant also showed glimpses of his old self. He played vital knocks during India's T20 World Cup 2024-winning run and was also excellent in the home Test season recently against Bangladesh and South Africa.

Also read: Mohammed Shami confirms his Ticket to Australia after Ranji Trophy Comeback

Michael Hussey on Rishabh Pant's return to international cricket

During an interview with Sportstar, Michael Hussey expressed his happiness over Rishabh Pant's comeback to professional cricket after the horrific car accident. He spoke about the fear of not being able to watch Pant again and called his return an "amazing achievement".

"I’m just so happy that he’s back playing and playing good cricket after what he went through a couple of years ago with that terrible car accident. I feared that he’d never play again. But just to be able to get back onto the park is just an amazing achievement in itself," Hussey said.

Hussey further mentioned Pant's wonderful knocks in the IPL and Tests after his return and claimed that his story is amazing. Hussey later credited the wicketkeeper-batter for making a successful return.

"Then to also be playing such high-quality cricket again through the IPL and Test cricket is remarkable. It’s just an amazing story and I want him to do well. I love watching him play. All credit to him," he added.

Rishabh Pant's numbers since his return

Rishabh Pant has been in terrific form ever since his return to professional cricket. In IPL 2024, he scored 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40. He also played a vital role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 win with 171 runs in 8 matches.

Pant smashed a scintillating hundred on his comeback in Test cricket against Bangladesh. Recently, he emerged as the highest run-getter in the Test series between India and New Zealand with 261 runs in 3 Tests at an average of 43.50 with three fifty-plus scores.

Rishabh Pant's numbers in Australia

Pant has a good record in Australian conditions as he played a key role in India's historic Test series win against Australia during the 2020-21 season. He smashed an unbeaten 89 in the fourth Test at Gabba to help India clinch a memorable series win in Australia.

The left-handed batter has played 7 Tests and scored 624 runs at an average of 62.40 on Australian soil with one hundred and two fifties. He will be one of the most important players for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.