Rishabh Pant: India's Wicketkeeper-Batter — 89* at Gabba (2021), Car Accident & Comeback, 2,780 Test Runs
Rishabh Rajendra Pant was born on 4 October 1997 in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India. He is India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. Career to 2026: approximately 2,780 Test runs at 43.43 in 68 Tests with 5 centuries. His most famous innings: 89 not out at The Gabba, Brisbane (January 2021) in the BGT 2020-21 — India chased 328 on the final day to win by 3 wickets, ending Australia's 33-year unbeaten home record at The Gabba. On 30 December 2022, Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Haridwar highway, suffering injuries to his knee, forehead and back. He underwent multiple surgeries and was absent from cricket for over a year. He returned to play IPL cricket in April 2024 and re-established himself in India's Test XI for the BGT 2024-25 in Australia. He also scored 97 in England's Oval Test in 2018 on debut — another celebrated counterattacking innings.
Rishabh Pant was born in Roorkee, Uttarakhand on 4 October 1997. He made his Test debut for India in August 2018 against England and immediately announced himself at The Oval with 97 in India's second innings — a counterattacking innings of only 126 balls when India were chasing a difficult target, contributing to a near-miss result. By 2020-21, he had established himself as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in Test cricket, replacing the retired MS Dhoni-era era and complementing the batting line-up with aggressive lower-middle order runs.
The Gabba 89* — India's Greatest Modern Overseas Win
On 19 January 2021 in the fourth Test of the BGT 2020-21 at The Gabba, Brisbane, Rishabh Pant scored 89 not out off 138 balls — one of the great match-winning innings in Test cricket history. India were chasing 328 for victory on the final day, with wickets falling around him. Pant counterattacked from the outset: sweeping, stepping down the track to drive, and playing shots that few wicketkeepers — or batters — would attempt in a high-pressure run chase. India crossed the line with 3 wickets remaining. The win ended Australia's 33-year unbeaten record at The Gabba (Australia's last home loss at Brisbane was 1988 against the West Indies). India retained the BGT 2-1.
Car Accident, Recovery, and Return
On 30 December 2022, Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Haridwar highway after reportedly falling asleep at the wheel. He suffered knee ligament damage, lacerations to his forehead, and back injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries and was absent from all cricket for over a year. His return came at the IPL 2024 (April-May 2024), where he captained Delhi Capitals. He returned to the Indian Test XI for the BGT 2024-25 against Australia (November 2024-January 2025) — Australia won the series 3-1, but Pant batted competitively. The comeback story attracted global attention.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rishabh Pant's innings at The Gabba in 2021 considered so significant?
Rishabh Pant's 89 not out at The Gabba, Brisbane on 19 January 2021 is considered one of the greatest match-winning innings in Test cricket because it single-handedly turned an improbable run chase into a victory. India chased 328 on the final day — a total most observers thought beyond a depleted Indian side — and won by 3 wickets. The win ended Australia's 33-year unbeaten home record at The Gabba (since 1988) and won India the BGT 2020-21 series 2-1. Pant's aggressive counterattacking approach (89* off 138 balls, including sweeps, drives and improvised shots) against Australia's full pace attack made it an iconic innings.
When did Rishabh Pant have his car accident and how did it affect his cricket career?
Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Haridwar highway on 30 December 2022. He suffered significant knee ligament damage, forehead lacerations, and back injuries, requiring multiple surgeries and an extended rehabilitation. He was absent from all cricket for over a year. He returned to play IPL cricket in April 2024 (captaining Delhi Capitals) and re-established himself in India's Test XI for the BGT 2024-25 against Australia (November 2024-January 2025). His return to full fitness and international cricket after such serious injuries was widely praised.