Nearly a year since his horrific car accident, Rishabh Pant says he will need a few more months to get back to playing competitive cricket as he appreciated the love and support he received during his long rehabilitation.

Pant, who was on his way to Roorkee in the early hours of December 30, 2022, when he met with the accident, missed the whole of 2023 after undergoing knee surgery. On Tuesday, he was at the Delhi Capitals table during the IPL auction here, with team director Sourav Ganguly and head coach Ricky Ponting.

In a video posted on the franchise’s Instagram handle, the optimistic Pant said: “(I am feeling) much better (than) what I was doing a few months ago. So like, (I am) still on recovery towards 100 per cent (fitness). But hopefully in a few months time, I’ll be able to do it.”

What touched Pant was the fans’ love and concern. “I think it’s been really amazing because whenever we keep on playing cricket, we feel no one loves us because there is always pressure in so many things. But actually yes, it’s a hard time.

“But I got to know at least people love us. They respect us and the kind of appreciation and the kind of concern I would say people have shown over a period of time because of my injury,” he said. “I think it was heartfelt, like crazy for me because it means a lot as an individual.”

The love and affection, the 26-year-old said, aided his quicker recovery.

“When you are going through a very rough time or something like that happens to you. It’s not only physical, it’s like mentally also and if your supporters and the people support you or show you love, it means a lot and it really helps in recovering.”

In the absence of Pant, veteran Australia opener David Warner led the Capitals last season, with the team finishing second from last.