India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant confirmed on Thursday that he is making good progress in his recovery from a side strain and is optimistic about returning to competitive cricket soon. Pant has been absent from the Indian team since January 10 and has been focusing on his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since then.
He suffered a tear in his right-sided internal oblique muscle (side strain) after getting hit above the waist by a ball during a practice session before the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara.
"My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence and I think I'm going to be out (on the field) soon," Pant said on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League.
The 28-year-old stressed on the importance of staying connected to the sport during long periods of recovery and rehabilitation following an injury.
"When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you," he said.
Pant also emphasised on the need for continuous improvement as a professional cricketer.
"As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay," he said.
Reflecting on multiple comebacks in his career, Pant said time away from the field has helped him develop a different outlook towards both cricket and life.
"Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you, and wanting to be committed to something that really makes you happy.
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"When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it while playing it at the top level. That's something I miss truly," he signed off.
Inputs from PTI