Rishabh Pant’s unforgettable comeback from a life-threatening car crash to Test cricket glory for India has been recognised with a nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. Pant will represent both India and the sport of cricket as the world’s biggest sports awards celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Laureus Awards and Ceremony Details
Nominees for the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards are decided after a vote by the world’s sports media. The ceremony will take place in Madrid, Spain, on April 21, celebrating the greatest athletic achievements of 2024 and the best sporting moments from the past 25 years since the first Laureus Awards in 2000.
Rishabh Pant’s Remarkable Journey to Recovery
Pant’s journey back to competitive cricket is nothing short of inspirational. A national hero and sporting icon, he survived a near-fatal accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway in December 2020. Pulled from his burning vehicle, he was fortunate to escape with his life but faced multiple critical injuries. After 629 days of rigorous recovery, Pant made his heroic return, scoring a match-winning century against Bangladesh, equaling MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper.
Rishabh Pant’s Statement on His Nomination
Reflecting on his nomination, Pant said:
“I have always believed that the biggest virtue of life is to be grateful for everything God has blessed you with. When I survived the near-fatal car crash, I realized I had been given a second chance, which inspired me to work extremely hard and return to the pitch as a better version of myself. My journey back to competitive cricket was incredibly challenging, but the moment I returned to play was deeply fulfilling—a victory of faith and perseverance. Being nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award is very special to me and is a testament to the efforts of my family, the BCCI, doctors, medical team, support staff, trainers, and fans. I hope my story can inspire others to never give up and always stay positive.”
Yuvraj Singh Praises Pant’s Resilience
Cricketing legend and Laureus Ambassador Yuvraj Singh also lauded Pant’s comeback, stating:
“I met with Rishabh in March 2023 when he was still on the road to recovery. What struck me most was his relentless positivity. His generosity of spirit and optimism carried him through, and his return to Test cricket in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. He is an example to all athletes that maintaining a positive approach to setbacks is vital for making a strong return to competitive action.”
Other Nominees for the Comeback Award
Pant is joined on the shortlist by other inspiring athletes, including:
- Rebeca Andrade (Brazil, Gymnastics) – Overcame serious knee injuries to win Olympic gold.
- Caeleb Dressel (USA, Swimming) – Battled mental health struggles before winning two Olympic golds.
- Lara Gut-Behrami (Switzerland, Alpine Skiing) – Won her first overall World Cup title in nearly a decade.
- Marc Márquez (Spain, MotoGP) – Returned from a career-threatening arm injury to win three Grand Prix races.
- Ariarne Titmus (Australia, Swimming) – Defended her Olympic 400m freestyle title after overcoming a tumour diagnosis.
Max Verstappen and Simone Biles Among Other Sporting Greats Nominated
The Laureus World Sports Awards also feature nominations for some of the biggest names in sports:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award Nominees:
- Max Verstappen (Netherlands, Formula One) – Won his fourth consecutive F1 title.
- Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, Tennis) – Claimed Grand Slam victories in 2024.
- Mondo Duplantis (Sweden, Athletics) – Retained his Olympic pole vault title.
- Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, Cycling) – Won both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
- Léon Marchand (France, Swimming) – Secured multiple Olympic gold medals.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award Nominees:
- Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics) – Cemented her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history.
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Football) – Won the Ballon d’Or and led Barcelona to multiple titles.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA, Athletics) – Won two Olympic golds in Paris.
- Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, Tennis) – Won the Australian and US Opens.
- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya, Athletics) – Became a three-time Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters.
Other Key Award Categories
Laureus World Team of the Year Award Nominees:
- Real Madrid (Spain, Football) – Secured their 15th Champions League title.
- McLaren Formula One Team (UK, F1) – Won their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.
- Boston Celtics (USA, Basketball) – Claimed a record-breaking 18th NBA title.
- Spain Men’s Football Team – Triumphed in the European Championship.
- FC Barcelona Women’s Team (Spain, Football) – Achieved a historic treble-winning season.
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award Nominees:
- Victor Wembanyama (France, Basketball) – Named NBA Rookie of the Year.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Football) – Starred in Spain’s European Championship-winning team.
- Summer McIntosh (Canada, Swimming) – Won multiple Olympic golds in Paris.
- Julien Alfred (St. Lucia, Athletics) – Secured her country’s first Olympic gold medal.
A Night of Sporting Excellence Awaits
The 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards will celebrate the most inspiring stories in global sports, from comebacks and breakthroughs to legendary performances. Rishabh Pant’s journey has captivated fans worldwide, and his nomination highlights his incredible resilience and dedication to the game. On April 21 in Madrid, the world will find out if he joins the elite list of Laureus winners and cements his place among the greats of international sport.
