'I feared the worst' - Emotional Axar Patel recalls Rishabh Pant's accident in Delhi Capitals' tribute video

India and Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant survived a horrific car crash on December 30, 2022 while travelling from Delhi to his hometown Roorkee, Uttarakhand. The 26-year-old was rescued from his burning car by some local people and the cricketer was rushed to the hospital immediately. A year after the tragic day, DC uploaded an emotional tribute video for Pant covering his recovery.

In the video, India all-rounder Axar Patel narrates the incidents which transpired after he got to know about Pant’s accident. He revealed that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), Shardul Thakur, and Ishant Sharma’s wife Pratima Singh all called him first as soon as they got to know about his accident. Patel further disclosed that he called Pant’s manager who assured him that he was safe.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant shares pic of scar while working out a year after his road accident

“Morning around 7 or 8, my phone started ringing. I got a call from Pratima Di (Ishant Sharma’s wife), she asked me ‘when was the last time you spoke to Rishabh’. I said ‘I was going to call him yesterday but I didn’t. She said ‘ If you have his mother’s number then send me, he has met with an accident. When I first heard this, I feared the worst (ye bhai gaya),” said Patel in a video uploaded by DC.

“BCCI, Shardul everyone started calling me thinking I must’ve been the one who spoke to Rishabh last. I called Rishabh’s manager, he said ‘Everything’s fine. How much damage his body has, we don’t know yet but he’s safe. After that, I ended the call and took a deep breath. I was assured that he’ll fight, he’s a fighter,” he added.

Also Read: Mrinank Singh accuses Rishabh Pant of 'false allegation'

Rishabh Pant to make a comeback in IPL 2024

Meanwhile, ahead of IPL 2024, DC have confirmed that Pant will be playing in the upcoming season and will be also leading the side. Notably, DC badly missed the services of Pant in the 2023 season as they finished on the second-last spot on the points table with five wins from 14 matches. Hence, they will be looking for a major turnaround in the upcoming season.