indian wicketkeeper batsman Ritha Pant Positive news on his recovery was provided on Tuesday, saying his health was steadily improving and he was optimistic about a return to competitive cricket soon. Pant, who is the co-owner of Mumbai Pickleball Power, was speaking on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League. The 28-year-old revealed that he has been doing extensive work at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation programme.
“My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Center of Excellence and I think I will be off (the field) soon,” Pant said. Pant emphasized how important it is for him to maintain a mental connection with cricket despite being away from the field for so long. He credits his love for the sport and the support of those around him for helping him cope with the challenges of recovery. “One thing that always kept me focused on the game when I was injured was the love for the game and the support of the people around me,” he said. The southpaw also spoke about the need to keep improving as a professional athlete, stressing that progress doesn’t stop even during injuries. “As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in all aspects of the overall game,” Pant said. Looking back on his many comebacks in his career, Pant noted that time away from cricket gave him a new perspective on the game and life in general. However, he admits that not being able to compete at the top level due to injury is still the toughest part. “Every time I come back it teaches me something about life. It teaches me more gratitude, it teaches me how to look at things around me and be willing to commit to the things that truly make you happy. “When I was injured, the thing I missed the most was really enjoying the game. You love the sport so much, but you also enjoy it playing at the top level. That’s what I really missed,” he concluded. Pant has been sidelined since January 10 after he was hit above the waist by a fall specialist during a training session in Vadodara, resulting in a torn right internal oblique muscle.
