Rishabh Pant expected to be discharged within two weeks; rehabilitation after two months: Report

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• Jan 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Pant underwent successful major surgery on his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and minor surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament...

Digital Desk: Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in a major accident in December of last year, is likely to be discharged from the hospital in the coming weeks, as per reports.

Pant underwent successful major surgery on his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and minor surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and he is now making a solid recovery.

A report in The Times of India suggests that Pant is being closely monitored to determine if his ligaments are healing naturally. After the ligaments have fully recovered, he will start his rehabilitation process. His progress will be evaluated in two months, and he could be ready to play in four to six weeks. The doctors have stated that the MCL surgery was obviously needed, and the road to rehabilitation for the southpaw would be difficult.

"The ligaments usually heal in four to six weeks. After that, rehab and strengthening will begin. His return to play will be assessed in another two months. Pant realizes that it will be a tough road. He would have to undergo counseling sessions too. It could be four to six months before he can start playing," a BCCI source was quoted as saying to the TOI.

Pant sustained lacerations on his forehead, multiple ligament ruptures in his knee, and severe other injuries, including a back abrasion, after his car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. After several somersaults, the car eventually caught fire as the cricketer was returning to his Roorkee house at 5:30 in the morning. 

Pant recently released a statement, speaking for the first time since the accident, saying, "I am humbled and grateful for all the support and good wishes. I am glad to let you know that my surgery was a success. The road to recovery has begun and I am ready for the challenges ahead. Thank you to the @BCCI, @JayShah & government authorities for their incredible support."

Rishabh Pant, who made his international debut in February 2017, was part of the victorious Indian Test side that defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in Dhaka in December 2022. Pant had a match-winning performance in the second Test at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, making an amazing 93 runs in the first innings. His contribution was critical to India's triumph, establishing him as one of the world's most promising young batsmen.