NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant made a dream comeback to Test cricket in the recent India vs Bangladesh first Test in Chennai.
Representing India in the longest format after a gap of 632 days, Pant hit a masterful 109 in India’s second innings to power the hosts to a clinical 280-run win.
As Pant made a successful Test return after his horrific car accident in 2022, Pakistan’s legend Wasim Akram saluted the 26-year-old for his grit and determination.
Akram said that people were worried in Pakistan, just like in India, after the news broke of Pant’s accident but he produced a miracle comeback in the traditional format upon return.
“Look at Pant’s performance, the miracle that he has performed by showing he is superhuman by returning from his tragedy,” said Akram on Sportskeeda.
“The way his accident happened, we were all worried in Pakistan, I was worried and tweeted about him.”
Already in awe with Pant’s stroke-play, Akram recalled the way the keeper-batter used to hit the bowlers before his accident. But for Pakistan great, the way Pant returned after his accident was mighty impressive.
“The way he used to play in Test cricket, the way he performed in Australia with the century then,” said Akram.
“The way he batted against England, playing a reverse sweep against [James] Anderson in Test cricket, even [Pat] Cummins. He’s special.
“Especially what he has been through in that horrific accident, coming back from that, how mentally strong that boy must be.”
Akram said the story of Pant’s comeback is for generations and it will motivate the youngsters to bounce back from any situation.
“That’s a story to be told for generations and generations, in my opinion, to motivate young people of the world. You can come back the way Pant did,” said Akram.
“He came back and averaged 40 in the IPL, 446 runs at a strike rate of 155, he’s a miracle kid,” Akram concluded.