Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 in the ‘Comeback of the Year’ category. This recognition comes after his incredible return to cricket following a year-long recovery from a near-fatal car accident on December 30, 2022.
With this nomination, Pant becomes only the second Indian cricketer to receive a Laureus Sports Awards nomination, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar won the Laureus Sporting Moment Award (2000-2020) for India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup victory, which was chosen through a global fan vote.
Rishabh Pant Nominated for Laureus World Sports Award 2025
Indian cricketer and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award 2025 in the “Comeback of the Year” category. This recognition comes after his incredible return to cricket following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.
Pant was involved in a serious car accident on December 30, 2022, while traveling from Delhi to his hometown, Roorkee. The accident left him with severe injuries, and he had to undergo multiple surgeries and a long recovery process. Many believed his cricket career could be in danger, but he showed great determination and strength to make a comeback.
Now, after months of rehabilitation, he has returned to the sport and impressed fans with his performance. His inspiring journey has earned him a nomination for the Laureus Award, which honors athletes who have made exceptional comebacks.
The awards ceremony will take place in Madrid on April 21, 2025, where winners will be announced. Pant’s nomination is a proud moment for Indian cricket, as it highlights his resilience and dedication to the game.
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Rishabh Pant Stellar T20 World Cup 2024 Performance
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has been nominated for a prestigious award alongside top athletes like Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, Swiss ski racer Lara Gut-Behrami, Spanish motorcycle racer Marc Márquez, and Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
Pant had an outstanding 2024, playing a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup victory. His impactful performances with the bat against Ireland, Pakistan, and Bangladesh helped strengthen India’s campaign. In the high-pressure final against South Africa, Pant’s strategic move to delay the game after the 16th over, by pretending to be injured, disrupted the opposition’s momentum, giving India an edge to reclaim control and secure the win.
Who Compete for Sportsman of the Year Title?
In Test cricket, a star batter made a remarkable comeback after over 20 months, smashing a century in his first red-ball match. He scored 109 runs against Bangladesh in Chennai. Additionally, he emerged as the top scorer during India’s 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, accumulating 261 runs in six innings at an average of 43.50, including three half-centuries.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards has nominated several top athletes for the coveted Sportsman of the Year title. Among the contenders are Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis, and Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. On the women’s side, legendary gymnast Simone Biles and Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka are among the nominees for Sportswoman of the Year.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was Rishabh Pant nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025?
Ans. Rishabh Pant was nominated in the “Comeback of the Year” category for his return to cricket after recovering from a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.
Q.2. Who was the first Indian cricketer to be nominated for the Laureus Awards?
Ans. Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian cricketer to receive a Laureus nomination, winning the Sporting Moment Award (2000-2020) for India’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
Q.3. When and where will the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 take place?
Ans. The Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 will be held in Madrid on April 21, 2025.
Q.4. Who are the other nominees in the “Comeback of the Year” category?
Ans. Rishabh Pant is nominated alongside Rebeca Andrade (Gymnastics), Caeleb Dressel (Swimming), Lara Gut-Behrami (Skiing), Marc Márquez (MotoGP), and Ariarne Titmus (Swimming).
Q.5. How did Rishabh Pant contribute to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory?
Ans. Pant played crucial innings against Ireland, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and strategically slowed the game in the final against South Africa, helping India reclaim momentum and secure the trophy.
