Mumbai, Oct 31 (NationPress) India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared the challenging journey he endured while rehabilitating from the injury he sustained in England, highlighting the immense frustration he experienced. In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant discussed the demotivating aspects of the rehab period and emphasized how maintaining his focus was crucial to his recovery.

Pant suffered a foot injury during the fourth Test against England in July and has been receiving rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. During this three-month recovery phase, he missed the home Test series against the West Indies but is now on the path to recovery, leading India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

"I began my rehab gradually, starting with some physiotherapy in the initial 10-15 days, slowly progressing to strength training and further rehabilitation. This was the beginning of a second phase for me, and now I’m here, fully recovered, thanks to COE," Pant stated in the video.

He also stressed the significance of maintaining a positive mindset during the rehab process.

"Staying positive is fundamentally a mindset issue. During an injury, it's easy to feel demotivated. Energy levels drop, and frustration can set in. However, engaging in small activities that uplift your mood is essential, especially when you're injured.

"Injuries often bring frustration, but having supportive people around you can make a huge difference. The love and care from my physiotherapists and coaches made me feel secure during this tough time. They helped me realize that even though I was in rehab, I could emerge from it successfully," he added.

"For me, it was crucial to complete my rehab volume and practice consistently."

Pant also praised the excellent practice facilities at the COE, which aided his fitness journey.

"As I mentioned earlier, COE offers some of the finest practice facilities; it's not merely a rehab center. With three large grounds and 60 wickets available for practice, it’s an exceptional place for training. You can have your own space here, which is vital. This is a secure environment where you can practice with hope, knowing that COE is dedicated to supporting players and everyone involved. That's the kind of atmosphere I experienced, making my time here enjoyable," Pant expressed in the video.

Although Pant did not score significantly in his first unofficial test against South Africa A, his return to the field is promising for the team as they prepare for the upcoming series against South Africa.