India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant ‘stable’ after fiery car crash

Published December 30, 2022
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant’s car after his accident on Friday morning. — PTI via ESPNCricinfo
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant’s car after his accident on Friday morning. — PTI via ESPNCricinfo

India cricketer Rishabh Pant is in stable condition in hospital following a car crash in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police said the wicketkeeper-batsman, who was alone in the car when it crashed in the northern state of Uttarakhand, had lost control of the vehicle when he “dozed off”. The car flipped over twice, police added.

The 25-year-old was returning from his hometown Roorkee, a few hours north of the capital, before dawn when his Mercedes SUV crashed into the median.

Police said the car immediately caught fire and the national team wicketkeeper had to break the windscreen to escape the blaze. Photographs of the crash showed the extensive impact and fire damage to the car.

Hospital authorities were not immediately available to give an update on Pant’s condition.

Cricket website ESPNCricinfo reported that the batsman suffered lacerative wounds on his forehead above his left eye and also a ligament tear in his knee. The report added that the first X-rays did not show any fractures.

“Rishabh is stable and undergoing scans,” Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah tweeted.

“We are closely monitoring his progress and will provide him with all the necessary support.”

Pant’s condition was stable, hospital doctor Ashish Yagnik told AFP reporters.

The player’s Indian Premier League team Delhi Capitals said the crash occurred between Manglaur and Narsan in Haridwar district.

“He has now been shifted to a hospital in Dehradun after receiving primary treatment in a hospital in Roorkee,” they said on Twitter.

Uttarakhand Director General of Police Ashok Kumar told Reuters: “Pant had told the local police that he lost control on his car after he dozed off for a couple of seconds. The police is investigating the case.”

Multiple reports in Indian media said Pant’s car had collided with the traffic divider in the middle of the road.

Pant was part of the India test squad that sealed a 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh this month. He was not named in their T20 and ODI squads for matches against Sri Lanka next month.

National Cricket Academy chairman and former test batsman VVS Laxman wished Pant a speedy recovery.

“Praying for Rishabh Pant. Thankfully he is out of danger,” Laxman tweeted.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting also expressed his concern. “Hope you’re on the mend and back on your feet soon,” tweeted the former Australia captain.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...