Rishabh Pant’s story is one of fearless cricket, personal grit, and an unshakable will to bounce back. Born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters. With his bold stroke play and ability to turn games single-handedly, Pant quickly earned a place in the national side and in fans’ hearts. But in December 2022, a near-fatal car accident left him with severe injuries, threatening his career and altering his life in an instant. What followed was months of intense rehabilitation, during which Pant’s determination and positivity became as inspiring as his cricket. His journey is not just about runs and records—it’s about resilience, courage, and the refusal to let adversity define his destiny.
Early Life and Roots in Roorkee
Rishabh Rajendra Pant was born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, a city in Uttarakhand, India. Growing up in a modest family, Pant’s father, Rajendra Pant, worked for a private company, while his mother, Saroj Pant, took care of the home and supported Rishabh’s passion for cricket. Pant’s early life was characterized by humble beginnings, but his love for cricket was evident from a young age.
When he was 12, Rishabh moved to Delhi with his mother, seeking better opportunities for his cricketing career. Financial constraints meant that the family had to live in a Gurdwara in Moti Bagh, Delhi, as they couldn’t afford proper accommodation. But this didn’t hinder Rishabh’s determination to pursue his dreams. In Delhi, he joined the renowned Sonnet Cricket Academy, under the guidance of the esteemed coach Tarak Sinha, who played a crucial role in shaping Pant’s cricketing skills. Rishabh displayed an early aptitude for the sport, excelling as a wicketkeeper-batsman, which would later define his career.
Domestic Cricket: A Star in the Making
Rishabh Pant made his first-class debut for Delhi in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season. But it was his monumental knock of 308 runs against Maharashtra in the 2016 Ranji Trophy that catapulted him into the limelight. This remarkable feat made him the third-youngest player to score a triple-century in Ranji Trophy history at just 19 years of age. The knock was a statement of intent, highlighting Pant’s aggressive style of play.
His talent didn’t stop there. In December 2016, he made the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, blasting a 100 off just 48 balls against Jharkhand. This performance showcased Pant’s ability to dominate bowlers with his swashbuckling batting style, especially in the shorter formats. He also put up remarkable performances in the Zonal T20 League, where he scored a rapid 100 off just 32 balls, proving his versatility in the shortest format of the game.
Pant’s performances in domestic cricket quickly earned him a place in the Indian squad, showcasing his raw talent and fearless approach. His success in the domestic circuit became a stepping stone toward his international career, as he was soon regarded as one of the most promising young cricketers in India.
IPL Success: Making a Mark in the Big League
Pant’s rise to prominence in the IPL began when he was bought by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016. While his initial seasons were filled with glimpses of brilliance, it was the 2018 season that truly marked his arrival as a star. During this season, Pant delivered one of the most memorable innings in IPL history, scoring an explosive 128* off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This innings made him the highest individual scorer for an Indian player at that time in IPL history and established him as one of the future stars of the game.
Pant’s exceptional performances in IPL 2018, where he was the leading run-scorer for Delhi, earned him widespread recognition. His ability to play aggressive cricket, while maintaining composure under pressure, made him one of the top players in the league.
In 2024, Pant’s career reached new heights when he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. In addition, Pant’s leadership was recognized as he was appointed the captain of the team, immediately leading them to success. His ability to inspire and lead from the front was on full display when he scored his second IPL century against Royal Challengers Bangalore, a performance that solidified his place as a leader in the cricketing world.
International Career: From Debut to Stardom
Pant made his T20I debut for India in February 2017 during a series against England, but it was his Test debut in 2018 that truly launched him into the international spotlight. On his debut tour to England, Pant made history by becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a century in England. This century, in the third Test of the series, was a remarkable achievement, as he played with confidence and aggression against one of the toughest bowling attacks in world cricket.
In 2019, Pant continued to break barriers, becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to score a Test century for India. His ability to take on world-class bowlers with ease made him a crucial member of the Indian team. However, his career really hit its stride during the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his fearless innings of 89* in the fourth Test at the Gabba led India to a historic series win in Australia. This match-winning knock made Pant a national hero, as his aggressive and courageous batting led India to victory in a dramatic and historic series.
Struggles and Setbacks: Overcoming the Odds
Pant’s career has not been without its setbacks. Throughout his journey, he has faced criticism for his inconsistency, with his aggressive style of batting leading to frequent dismissals in crucial moments. The comparisons to MS Dhoni, one of India’s most iconic wicketkeeper-batsmen, only added to the pressure. However, Pant was determined to prove himself. Despite the criticism, he remained focused on improving his game and worked on developing a more disciplined and consistent approach, particularly in Test cricket.
Pant’s selection for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup was met with mixed reactions. Although his performance in the tournament was not as impactful as expected, he soon proved his mettle on the international stage. Over time, he matured as a player and developed a more steady approach to his batting, which led to improved consistency in his performances.
The Car Accident and Road to Recovery
In December 2022, Pant was involved in a tragic car accident on his way from Delhi to his hometown in Roorkee. The accident resulted in multiple injuries, including ligament tears in his right knee, facial injuries, and abrasions. This event was a major setback in Pant’s career, and the cricketing world stood still as fans, teammates, and experts expressed their concern and support.
Pant’s road to recovery was long and grueling, with multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Despite the severe nature of his injuries, Pant’s resilience shone through as he remained focused on returning to the sport he loved. After spending several months recovering, Pant made a remarkable comeback to cricket in April 2024. His return was celebrated not just by his fans, but by the entire cricketing community as a symbol of his determination and perseverance.
Record-Breaking Performances: A New Benchmark
Pant’s return to cricket was marked by record-breaking achievements. In June 2025, he became the first Indian cricketer to score centuries in both innings of a Test match in England, setting a new benchmark for wicketkeeper-batsmen. He also became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to complete 3,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving the milestone in just 76 innings. These remarkable feats underscored Pant’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially in challenging conditions.
Pant’s aggressive yet calculated approach to batting has made him one of the most exciting and valuable players in international cricket. His contributions to India’s success, particularly in Test cricket, have been crucial in providing the team with stability and the ability to set competitive targets.
Personal Life and Legacy: Overcoming Tragedy
Rishabh Pant’s personal life has been marked by numerous challenges. In 2017, he tragically lost his father, Rajendra Pant, who had been a pillar of support throughout his life. Despite this personal tragedy, Rishabh remained focused on his cricketing aspirations and continued to make progress in his career. His story is one of resilience, where he overcame personal and professional hurdles to achieve his dreams.
Off the field, Pant has become an inspiration for young cricketers, especially those who dream of becoming wicketkeeper-batsmen. His relentless pursuit of excellence, despite facing setbacks, has made him a role model for aspiring players around the world.
Pant’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
Rishabh Pant’s legacy in Indian cricket is assured. He has redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman with his fearless batting and exceptional wicketkeeping skills. As he continues to break records and lead India to victories, his journey will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of cricketers. Pant’s story exemplifies the power of resilience, hard work, and the will to overcome adversity.
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