Rishabh Pant : India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made a heroic return to cricket after a life-threatening car accident, missed out on winning the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award 2025. The prestigious accolade was clinched by Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who overcame multiple ACL injuries to shine at the Olympics with four medals.
Despite widespread praise and an emotional journey back to international cricket, Pant’s incredible story of resilience wasn’t enough to secure the top prize this time.
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Rishabh Pant Misses Laureus Comeback of the Year Award 2025, Rebeca Andrade Takes the Honour
Pant’s Remarkable Comeback After Car Crash
Rishabh Pant’s return to cricket is nothing short of a miracle. After surviving a horrific car crash in December 2022 that left him with multiple injuries and out of action for over a year, he made a stunning return during IPL 2024. He later played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, showing his class with both the bat and the gloves.
In Tests too, Pant returned to action after 629 days and smashed a century against Bangladesh, equaling MS Dhoni’s record for most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper.
What Harsha Bhogle Said
Pant had earlier opened up about the darkest moment in his life, saying:
“I felt my time in this world was up.”
He narrowly escaped when his car caught fire, with bystanders pulling him out just in time. His story of survival and comeback inspired millions.
Laureus Comeback of the Year 2025 Nominees
Rishabh Pant was part of an elite list of athletes nominated for the award:
| Athlete | Country | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Rebeca Andrade | Brazil | Gymnastics |
| Caeleb Dressel | USA | Swimming |
| Lara Gut-Behrami | Switzerland | Alpine Skiing |
| Marc Márquez | Spain | Motorcycling |
| Rishabh Pant | India | Cricket |
| Ariarne Titmus | Australia | Swimming |
Laureus 2025 – Other Big Winners
- Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis (Pole Vault)
- Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Team of the Year: Real Madrid
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lamine Yamal
- Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kelly Slater
Though Rishabh Pant didn’t win the Laureus Award, his comeback story remains one ofllllll the most heartening in modern sports. From near tragedy to World Cup glory, Pant has already won the admiration of millions — and that, in itself, is a victory worth celebrating.
FAQs
Why was Rishabh Pant nominated for the Laureus Award?
He was nominated for the Comeback of the Year after returning from a near-fatal car accident to play for India and win the T20 World Cup.
Who won the Laureus Comeback of the Year 2025?
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade won the award.
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