'Thank you for looking after me' - Rishabh Pant wishes NCA batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on his birthday

Young India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, after a near-fatal car accident in December 2022.

The 25-year-old celebrated the birthday of Sitanshu Kotak, NCA batting coach, and thanked the former Saurashtra captain for looking after him in the past few months. Former cricketer and NCA chief VVS Laxman was also present during Kotak's birthday celebration. 

Sharing a video of Kotak's special day on Instagram, Pant wrote, "Thoda sa blurr hai but Happy birthday machaa. Special Thanku for looking after me in last few months. Have a great day."

See Rishabh Pant's Instagram post:

Pant has always demonstrated exceptional determination in his career. Given the seriousness of his injuries, the 25-year-old's road to recovery has been lengthy, particularly from his knee ligament damage. After undergoing significant medical care, he has begun to show signs of progress in his physical recovery by starting batting in the nets. He will not, however, be able to play competitive cricket anytime soon. 

With the 2023 Cricket World Cup set to commence at home in October, India have begun preparations for the show-piece event with hopes of winning their first ICC trophy since 2013. The major concern of the Men in Blue will be the availability of a few key players who were out of action, owing to serious injuries.

Speedster Jasprit Bumrah and star batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who were undergoing rehabilitation in NCA, have made significant progress and are on their way back to the national squad. Pant, on the other hand, has also displayed promising signs of recovery, however, it is not sure if he will be able to make it in time for the ICC global event.