Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 in the ‘Comeback of the Year’ category. The 27-year-old, who will captain Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is only the second cricketer to receive a Laureus nomination after Sachin Tendulkar.

Pant’s remarkable return to cricket follows a life-threatening car accident on 30 December 2022. While travelling from Delhi to Roorkee, he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to crash into a divider and catch fire. He sustained multiple injuries, including ligament damage in his right knee, wrist and ankle injuries, abrasions on his back, and cuts on his forehead. Emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation followed before he could return to competitive cricket.

His first appearance after the accident came during IPL 2024, when he played for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings on 20 February. Proving his resilience, he was later selected for the T20 World Cup 2024, where he played a crucial knock of 42 runs at No.3, helping India secure a thrilling victory over Pakistan in New York. Pant then made his Test comeback against Bangladesh in Chennai, equalling MS Dhoni’s record for most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.

In November 2024, Pant created history in the IPL auction, becoming the most expensive player ever after LSG acquired him for ₹27 crore. His consistent performances post-recovery solidified his reputation as one of the most valuable players in the sport.

Pant is among six athletes nominated for the Laureus ‘Comeback of the Year’ award. The shortlist includes Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Swiss ski racer Lara Gut-Behrami, Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus,  American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, and Spanish MotoGP rider Marc Márquez.

The winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 will be announced on 21 April.