Intro
India wicketkeeper says rehabilitation progressing well, targets return to competitive cricket soon
Mumbai
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant expressed optimism about his recovery from injury, saying his fitness is improving steadily and he hopes to return to the field in the near future.
Pant said he has been putting in sustained effort at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation programme.
“My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence and I think I’m going to be out on the field soon,” Pant said, offering reassurance to fans eager to see him back in action.
The 28-year-old acknowledged that long injury layoffs can be mentally challenging but stressed the importance of staying connected to the game during recovery. According to Pant, his passion for cricket and the support of those around him have played a crucial role in keeping him motivated.
“When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you,” he said.
Pant also underlined the need for continuous self-improvement, noting that setbacks provide opportunities to reflect and grow as a professional cricketer. “As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay,” he added.
Reflecting on the comebacks he has made over the course of his career, Pant said time away from the field has helped him gain a fresh perspective on both cricket and life. However, he admitted that missing top-level competition remains the toughest part of being sidelined.
“When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game at the highest level. That’s something I truly miss,” he said.
Pant has been out of the Indian team since January 10 after suffering a right-sided internal oblique muscle tear during a practice session in Vadodara.
