India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is eagerly awaiting his return to the national team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Pant last wore the Indian jersey during the second Test against Bangladesh in December 2022. Shortly after that game, he survived a horrific car crash on December 30 while traveling back to his hometown to celebrate the New Year.

“It’s a different feeling altogether and this is something I missed a lot…”

Following the accident, the Haridwar-born cricketer underwent an intensive rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. This rigorous effort paid off as he made a triumphant return to the field after 15 months during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pant expressed that wearing the Indian jersey again brings a unique and special feeling, and he cherishes being around his teammates once more.

Thank you, God. Wearing the Indian jersey fills me with gratitude, joy and pride. There’s no better feeling than getting a chance to represent your country 🫶🇮🇳 👕#RP17 pic.twitter.com/wYHgeporjA

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 29, 2024

Looking ahead, Pant highlighted the significance of the World Cup for the USA and shared how he is acclimating to the conditions there.

“Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it’s a different feeling altogether and this is something I missed a lot. I think seeing the teammates and meeting them again and spending time, having fun with them, enjoying having conversations with them really enjoying,” said Pant in a video shared by BCCI.

Watch the video…

Rishabh Pant in the nets after 17 long months 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/HwFJCIud15

— Flamboy Pant (@flamboypant) May 30, 2024

Pant’s remarkable form in IPL 2024 was a highlight, as he looked at his vintage best. He emerged as the highest run-scorer for Delhi Capitals, amassing 446 runs in 13 innings. The southpaw averaged 40.54 with a striking rate of 155.40, notching up three half-centuries during the tournament.

“We’re used to playing in different countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the US and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket and as well as USA cricket I guess. New pitches are there everything is getting set up, just getting used to the conditions I think the sun is little bit more brighter over here so just getting used to it. Hopefully, I make it count and make it more better from here,” he added.

🗣️ Getting back with an Indian jersey 🔛 is a different feeling altogether 🇮🇳@RishabhPant17 is back in the nets for #TeamIndia 🤩

Crucial practice before the #T20WorldCup begins 💪

WATCH 🎥🔽 – By @RajalArora

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 30, 2024

See Also: Dinesh Karthik reveals the reason for his retirement from IPL

At 26, Pant is eager to carry his IPL form into the upcoming World Cup. India will start their campaign with a warm-up fixture against Bangladesh on June 1. The Men in Blue will then face Ireland in their first group fixture on June 5 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.