New Delhi: Wishes and prayers poured in from all quarters for star India cricketer Rishabh Pant who had a narrow escape Friday after meeting with a horrific accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. The 25-year-old, who is currently out of the Indian squad for the upcoming white ball home series against Sri Lanka, sustained injuries on his head, back and feet after his car collided with a road divider while he was driving back home to Roorkee. Doctors said Rishabh Pant is in ‘stable’ condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lost his mother Hiraben on Friday, prayed for the good health of Pant. “Distressed by the accident of noted cricketer Rishabh Pant. I pray for his good health and well-being,” Modi tweeted.
The prime minister also spoke to Pant’s family, the BCCI said in a tweet. “The Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi ji called up Rishabh Pant’s family and inquired about his health following his car accident this morning. We thank the Prime Minister for this gesture and his soothing words of assurance,” the BCCI wrote.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and his former teammates also joined him in posting their messages for the dashing keeper-batter. “Wishing you a very speedy recovery. My prayers are with you,” tweeted Tendulkar
Former India batter and National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman said: “Praying for Rishabh Pant. Thankfully he is out of danger. Wishing @RishabhPant17 a very speedy recovery. Get well soon Champ.”
“Wishing dear Pant a super speedy recovery. Bahut hi Jald swasth ho jaao (get well very quickly),” tweeted former India opener Virender Sehwag.
The BCCI said they are ensuring best possible medical care for Pant to come out of this “traumatic phase”.
“The board will see to it that Rishabh Pant receives the best possible medical care and gets all the support he needs to come out of this traumatic phase,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.
The BCCI is in constant touch with Rishabh’s family while the Medical Team is in close contact with the doctors currently treating Rishabh. My thoughts and prayers are with Rishabh Pant as he fights his way back to recovery… We will provide him with all the necessary support,” Shah said in another tweet.
According to the BCCI statement, Pant, who was first treated at Saksham Multispecialty Hospital and Trauma Centre, has two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee. He has also hurt his right wrist, ankle, toe and has suffered abrasion injuries on his back.
“Pant’s condition remains stable, and he has now been shifted to Max Hospital, Dehradun, where he will undergo MRI scans to ascertain the extent of his injuries and formulate his further course of treatment,” the BCCI said in another tweet.
IPL franchise Delhi Capitals also wished speedy recovery for their skipper as head coach Ricky Ponting also sent his message from Down Under. “Thinking about Rishabh. Get well soon, Skip,” DC tweeted. “Hope you’re on the mend and back on your feet soon,” Ponting wrote.
Afghan spinner Rashid Khan also took to social media to wish him. “I hope you are ok bhai praying for your quick recovery get well soon champ,” Khan wrote.
Pant’s Delhi and India teammate Shikhar Dhawan tweeted: “Thank you God ki kaafi bachaav hogaya. Sending you lots of healing, prayers and positivity. May you regain your strength and good health soon.”
“Speedy recovery, my friend. Praying for you to get well soon,” tweeted Pant’s teammate Shubman Gill.
Wishes also came in from across the border with Pakistani speed gun Shaheen Shah Afridi tweeting: “Praying for Pant.”
“Hope there’s nothing serious Pant. I wish you a quick recovery and many prayers bhai. Insha Allah you will be fine and back on the field very soon,” wrote Pakistan seamer Hassan Ali.
England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who broke his leg and dislocated his ankle during a freak injury while playing golf in September also joined in wishing Pant. “Never nice to see people in accidents but relieved he’s stable and at the hospital! For now I think now people should let him rest and recover in private!” Bairstow tweeted.
Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with Pant. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back to doing what you do best.”
Legendary India leg-spinner Anil Kumble, former India left-hander Suresh Raina, and former India women’s pacer Jhulan Goswami also wished Pant a fast recovery.
