His return marks an extraordinary recovery after his near-fatal car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for over a year, keeping him out of the last IPL season and the 50-overs World Cup
Rishabh Pant’s journey back into the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. The BCCI announced the 15-member squad on Tuesday, and Pant’s return to the fold is a testament to his determination and hard work following a career-threatening car accident in December 2022.
As one of the standout performers in the IPL, Pant’s selection was well-deserved. However, his road to recovery and fitness required significant sacrifices. To ensure he regained full fitness, Pant adhered to a strict calorie-deficit diet and a rigorous sleep schedule.
How did Rishabh Pant make this turn around
According to a report in the Times of India, Rishabh Pant had to give up many of his favourite food items, like fried chicken, ras malai, and biryani. But there was one dish he couldn’t let go of—chilli chicken. To accommodate his diet plan, he prepared it with just 5ml of extra virgin olive oil, maintaining flavour while sticking to the calorie restriction.
“He adopted a calorie-deficit diet in late December. If his body demanded 1,400 calories a day, he was given around 1,000 calories,” a source involved in Pant’s rehabilitation told TOI. “It was tough on him since he had to train very hard to gain match fitness and had to strengthen the muscles on his injured right leg.”
Pant’s commitment to his health and fitness extended to his sleep schedule. He shut down all gadgets, including phones, iPads, and TVs, to ensure he got eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep by 11 PM . This strict regimen helped him lose about 16 kilograms in four months, enabling him to recover and train rigorously.
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Pant’s stellar performance in IPL 2024
Despite the losses, Pant’s performance in the IPL 2024 has been outstanding, demonstrating his tenacity and leadership skills.His steadiness with the bat helped the Delhi Capitals win five games as captain, despite the team’s lack of experience. Pant’s 371 runs have contributed significantly to DC’s success this season, with a remarkable average of 46.38 and an outstanding strike rate of 160.61.
Pant’s dedication paid off, and his performance in the IPL showcased his talent and resilience. His return to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup is a remarkable achievement, and his journey serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere. Despite the setbacks, Pant’s determination and discipline have led him back to the international cricket stage, where he will undoubtedly make a significant impact.
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