India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has received a nomination for the esteemed Laureus World Sports Awards. At just 27, he’s set to captain the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is in the running for the World Comeback of the Year award.

This makes Pant only the second cricketer ever to be nominated for the Laureus Sports Awards, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who previously snagged the Laureus Sporting Moment 2000-2020 award for his 2011 World Cup victory.

Joining Pant on the shortlist is gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who overcame serious ACL injuries to clinch gold in Paris. Other nominees include ski racer Lara Gut-Behrami and swimmer Ariarne Titmuss.

Also in the mix are Caeleb Dressel, who secured two relay golds in Paris after taking time off for mental health, and Marc Márquez, the Spanish Moto GP star who bounced back to win three Grands Prix after a career-threatening arm injury.

Winners will be announced on April 21, 2025.

For those who might not know, Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident in December 2022, which kept him sidelined for over a year. He made a stunning return 629 days later during the 2024 IPL season with the Delhi Capitals.

Pant faced multiple injuries and underwent knee reconstructive surgery. After a successful IPL season showcasing his skills with both bat and gloves, he rejoined the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored a vital 42 runs batting at No. 3, helping India secure a thrilling win against Pakistan in New York.

He then made his Test comeback against Bangladesh in Chennai, matching MS Dhoni for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. In November 2024, Rishabh Pant also became the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for INR 27 crore.

'I've been all about keeping a positive vibe'

After receiving his nomination, Rishabh Pant shared that he has always prioritized staying positive and happy, no matter the circumstances.

"I truly believe that being grateful for all the blessings in life is one of the greatest virtues. Throughout my journey, I've aimed to maintain a positive outlook and happiness in every situation, relying on self-belief and resilience to tackle challenges. Surviving a near-fatal car accident made me realize how fortunate I am, which motivated me to work hard to bounce back and return to the field as a stronger version of myself," Pant mentioned in an official statement.

"I understood that getting back to my normal life was just part of my comeback. I had to fully commit to my dream of playing for India again. In 2024, I made my return to the Indian Test team 629 days after the accident, the same year we clinched the ICC T20 World Cup," he added.

Pant's journey has resonated with cricket fans around the globe, including some of the sport's legends.

"I met Rishabh in March 2023. At that time, he was well on his way to recovery, but still had some hurdles to overcome. What really stood out to me was his unwavering positivity. We shared some good laughs, and it was that spirit and optimism that helped him through – ultimately leading to his incredible comeback in Test cricket in 2024. He sets a great example for all athletes that keeping a positive mindset during injuries and setbacks is crucial for getting back into the game," said Yuvraj Singh.

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