Rishabh Pant’s remarkable return, Hardik Pandya’s redemption and Manu Bhaker’s triumph: Incredible comebacks in 2024

As the saying goes, comebacks are never easy. A comeback can stem from various challenges, including injuries or a dip in performance. For any professional athlete, returning to their sport and excelling once again demands extraordinary effort, resilience, and mental fortitude. Whether overcoming injuries or bouncing back from a slump in form, the journey back is as challenging as it is inspiring. Every year, we witness stories of athletes defying the odds to reclaim their place in the spotlight, and 2024 was no exception. Indian athletes etched some of the most inspiring chapters in recent history.

From Manu Bhaker’s glory run in Paris to Rishabh Pant’s remarkable return to cricket and Hardik Pandya’s redemption ride, this year has been a testament to grit, determination, and an indomitable fighting spirit. In this article, we highlight some of the athletes who turned this year into an unforgettable chapter in their careers.

Rishabh Pant

Few stories in Indian cricket are as heartwarming as Pant’s comeback in 2024. After surviving a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, questions arose about whether he could ever return to professional cricket. However, Pant’s determination and resilience turned his recovery journey into an inspirational tale for millions. Not only did he make his way back to the field, but he did so in remarkable fashion, accumulating 446 runs from 13 matches in IPL 2024 and leading the Delhi Capitals (DC). Though his campaign began on a subdued note, he found his form as the season progressed.

While his contributions with the bat in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign were limited, his energy and precision behind the stumps were invaluable. His return to Test cricket was nothing short of spectacular, marked by a stunning 109 against Bangladesh in Chennai. He made a comeback so seamless, it was as if he had never left.

Also Read | Ravichandran Ashwin to Sunil Chhetri: Indian stalwarts who said goodbye in 2024

Hardik Pandya

Pictures of Pandya coming out of the Mumbai airport with the T20 World Cup trophy in hand were a statement in themselves. With his heroics in the multi-nation event, Pandya turned critics into fans again in just a month. The Mumbai Indians skipper faced intense scrutiny from his own fanbase during IPL 2024.

No home team captain had received as much criticism from their fans as Pandya did. Struggles with the bat, ball, and leadership painted a grim picture, raising serious doubts about his readiness with the T20 World Cup looming. Yet, donning the Blue Jersey for India, Pandya delivered a remarkable turnaround. Emerging as the team’s true MVP, he excelled across all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—guiding India to a memorable triumph. His ever-smiling, composed demeanor remained intact throughout, making his fairytale comeback all the more extraordinary.

Manu Bhaker

The memory of Manu's Tokyo Olympics heartbreak, where a pistol malfunction shattered her dream of an Olympic medal, remains vivid. Heading into the Paris Olympics, Bhaker had one goal: to win an Olympic medal for India. The 22-year-old shooter not only achieved her goal but exceeded expectations, securing two bronze medals—one in the women’s individual 10m air pistol and another in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. After the heartbreak of missing out in Tokyo, Manu’s double triumph in Paris was a story of resilience and redemption.

Vinesh Phogat

India's hopes for a medal in the Paris Olympics were dashed in heartbreaking fashion when Vinesh was disqualified ahead of the gold medal match due to being overweight. Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She defeated Japan’s reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki in a stunning upset during her opening bout. However, her incredible journey took an unexpected turn, forcing her to return home empty-handed. What should have been a celebrated comeback turned into a painful ordeal, but Vinesh's efforts cannot be understated. Despite spending months away from the mat, leading protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, she displayed immense resilience and determination to reach the final. Her achievement, even in adversity, remains truly commendable.