NEW DELHI: Many eyebrows were raised when Rishabh Pant was chosen over KL Rahul as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman for India's T20 World Cup squad, but it did't cause any hiccups as India lifted the T20 World Cup undefeated.
Pant was involved in a high-speed accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway on the night of December 30, 2022. His car caught fire, but he made a fortunate escape despite suffering severe injuries.
After a year of intense recovery and rehabilitation, Pant returned to professional cricket during this year's Indian Premier League and made his comeback to Team India this month for the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Not only did the 26-year-old make it to the squad, but also justified his selection with decent performances both with the bat and behind the stumps.
1/10:T20 World Cup: India's celebration as they become World Champions
Reuters
2/10:Rahul Dravid
<p>In 2007, under Rahul Dravid's captaincy, India lost to Bangladesh and were knocked out of the ODI World Cup. However, Rahul Dravid returned as a coach to the West Indies, where his Indian team became the only team to lift the T20 World Cup trophy without any defeat.</p>Reuters
3/10:Rohit Sharma
<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma became the only Indian to win two T20 world cups. </p>AFP
4/10:Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma
<p>BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's prediction of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lifting the World Cup trophy came true, as they were seen together celebrating the victory.</p>
5/10:Suryakumar Yadav
<p>Suryakumar's outstanding catch on the boundary rope to dismiss David Miller will always be remembered, as it played a crucial role in helping the team get closer to securing the trophy in a pressure situation. <br /></p>Reuters
6/10:Jay Shah and Rahul Dravid
<p>BCCI Secretary bids farewell to Indian coach Rahul Dravid after the final match of the t20 world cup</p><br />
7/10:Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
<p>Captain and vice captain could not hold back their emotions as they have ended India's ICC trophy draught after 11 years.</p>ANI
8/10:Mohammed Siraj
<p>India pacer Mohammed Siraj celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory in Barbados, proudly waving the tricolour in celebration.<br /></p>Reuters
9/10:Jay Shah and Virat Kohli
<p>BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulates Virat Kohli on winning all the ICC white ball trophy. Virat Kohli has now won ICC ODI World Cup, Champions trophy and T20 World Cup.</p>
10/10:Rishabh Pant
<p>Rishabh Pant made a remarkable return to the national side after a life-threatening accident, playing a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph with crucial runs and spectacular wicketkeeping skills.<br /></p>ReutersIn the end, Pant emerged as a T20 World Cup winner.
On Wednesday, Pant took to social media to share a heartwarming post, including a video documenting his journey of recovering from a life-threatening accident to lifting the coveted T20 World Cup title.
"Blessed, Humbled & Grateful. God has its own plan," Pant said.
WATCH:
Pant scored 171 runs in 8 matches at an average of 24.42. He also took 13 catches besides doing one stumping.
