Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the world-famous Mumbai orthopaedic surgeon who conducted surgery on Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant after his life-threatening car crash in December 2022, has spoken candidly about Pant’s recuperation and recent on-field flashy celebrations.
Pant suffered serious injuries when his luxury vehicle crashed into a divider near Roorkee. Doctors first treated him in Dehradun before flying him to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. There, he underwent a crucial ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee by Dr. Pardiwala.
Long Road to Recovery and Return to Cricket of Rishabh Pant
The 27-year-old spent over a year out of competitive cricket while undergoing extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He made a much-awaited comeback to professional cricket in IPL 2024 with Delhi Capitals, and ever since, he has surprised fans and critics alike with his show.
Most notably, Rishabh Pant wrote history in a Test match against England at Headingley, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to have two centuries in the same game. He highlighted the moment with a dramatic somersault celebration, which he had also performed during an IPL 2025 game for the Lucknow Super Giants.
Surgeon Praises Agility but Criticizes Risky Celebrations
Telling The Telegraph, Dr. Pardiwala referred to the gymnast background of Pant and his excellent flexibility, but highlighted the avoidable risk factor in doing so.
“Rishabh was trained as a gymnast – and so while he appears big, he is very flexible, and he has a lot of flexibility,” Pardiwala commented.
“And that’s why he’s been performing those somersaults recently. It’s a well-practiced and perfected trick – unnecessary though!”
He also spoke of Pant’s change and maturity after the accident, declaring his survival “extremely lucky” and crediting the near-death experience for his new outlook.
“He realises he was extremely lucky to be alive. He’s so driven as a cricketer. He’s a more mature human being.”
He further added that “Hemore appreciative of life and everything surrounding it,” Pardiwala said.”
Rishabh Pant Form Sparks Debate Over Test Legacy
Although rusty in initial matches upon his comeback in IPL 2024, Pant soon found his rhythm again. His consecutive Test centuries have once again sparked discussions regarding his standing among India’s all-time greatest Test wicketkeepers.
Team India and the fans now expect him to keep turning his form into frequent match-winning performances in the coming months.
