Athletes Who Made A Recovery From Near-Fatal Mishaps

Rishabh Pant has many examples to draw strength from as he recovers from his accident.

Updated on: 5 January 2023 1:52 am

Tiger Pataudi played 46 Tests for India despite having no vision in his right eye.

With many important series and tournaments lined up this year, Rishabh Pant's return to the field seems likely only in the distant future. But he has many examples to look at of athletes who made a comeback after a serious crash. Let's look at some of them. (More Sports News)

Tiger Woods (Golf)
Golf’s most famous name was met with a serious accident in 2021. Driving above the speed limit, that too down a slope, Woods lost control of his SUV, which hit the divider, crossed over on the other side, and then rolled over the edge of the road. Woods suffered multiple injuries, especially to his right leg. The leg was stabilised by inserting a rod. The chances of Woods recovering normal fitness and function seemed slim. And while Woods is nowhere near his best, he got back on his feet and entered the PNC Championship in Orlando later in the year alongside his son, Charlie.

Sergio Aguero (Football)
Former Manchester City and Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero was a victim of a near-fatal car crash when his taxi hit a lamp-post in 2017. The Argentine was flying back to Manchester and was in Amsterdam for a concert of the Colombian singer Maluma. At 11 PM, Aguero's taxi hit a lamp-post, fracturing his ribs. A game against rivals Chelsea was coming up in 48 hours. Guardiola called for calm minds as the forward missed two to four weeks of action.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (Cricket)
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was destined for greatness. It came at a price, but he achieved his destiny nonetheless. It was on July 1, 1961, that Pataudi's car was involved in an accident in Hove, in East Sussex, England. It would result in him losing sight in his right eye, which was penetrated by a shard of glass from the broken windscreen. Tiger Pataudi, as he was often referred to affectionately, would go on to represent India for 46 Tests while playing most of them with just one eye. A year after the accident, Pataudi would take over India's captaincy while touring West Indies in 1962. He was only 21 at the time, becoming the youngest-ever Indian captain.

Mohammed Shami (Cricket)
In 2018, Shami’s car was hit by a truck when he was returning to Delhi. He suffered a head injury and needed four stitches. However, the pacer's grit and determination were laudable as he made a swift return to the cricket field and also played in the Indian Premier League that year.