How is Rishabh Pant now? When can he play again?

After a horrific accident in the early hours of Friday (December 30), India's star cricketer Rishabh Pant is recovering at Max Hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

According to a report in InsideSport.In, there is a substantial improvement in the condition of Pant and the doctors are yet to decide if they should shift him to some other facility.

"There are no immediate plans to shift him anywhere as his condition has improved substantially," InsideSport.In reported a hospital staff as saying.

Pant has undergone plastic surgery on his forehead and its first dressing was done on Monday (January 2).

What happened? Rishabh Pant was on his way to his hometown Roorkee in his Mercedes car when the accident happened on the Narsan border of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal. It was reported that Pant had dozed off on the wheels which resulted in his car crashing into the divider.

• It was the crucial intervention of truck diver Sushil Kumar and conductor Paramjeet, who saved Pant and called the ambulance. It was reported that driver Sushil and conductor Paramjeet broke the window of the car and pulled Pant outside. They also said that the car burst into flames right after they pulled him out of the vehicle.

• The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced award for the two and it will be given to them on January 26. They will be honoured under the Good Samaritan Scheme of the Ministry of Transport and Highways.
• Pant had suffered two cuts on his forehead, abrasions on his back and injuries on his knees.

Family with Rishabh Pant: Risbabh Pant's sister Sakshi Pant arrived from London and is currently in the hospital with her mother Saroj Pant.

• Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami also arrived at the hospital and inquired about the cricketer's health. He also said that all assistance will be provided to Pant for his speedy recovery.

Bollywood celebs Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor also made a visit to the Max Hospital, Dehradun to inquire about Pant's health. 

When will he be back in action?  On the cricketing front, cricketer Rishabh Pant will have to be off the field for a long time it seems.

• Dr Qamar Azam, who looks after the sports injury department at AIIMS Rishikesh said: "Pant will take at least three to six months to recover from the ligament injury. And if its severe, it may take more time. Further evaluation can be based on his detailed report."
• "It has also been conveyed to the Pant's family members and doctors in Dehradun that his ligament treatment will be overseen by the BCCI. Pant will be discharged from Dehradun hospital after staying in observation. After that, he will be assessed by BCCI's doctors in Mumbai and further treatment will be decided. It could happen abroad as well," a BCCI source told Times of India.
• On January 6, Rishabh Pant had to be present at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for strengthening his knee. And now,  the injury to his knee might have further aggravated the issue.
• As of now, the Pant will no longer be part of the IPL 2023. Pant was asked to be fit for the Australia series and then the subsequent ODI series before the IPL. In his absence, Delhi Capitals will have to appoint another captain.