How Rishabh Pant recovered post his life-threatening accident (in frame: MS Dhoni (right) with Pant (Source: Rishabh Pant/X)
T20 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has made full recovery after an unfortunate car accident in December 2022 and is going full throttle on the field. But behind this successful comeback lies his sheer determination to overcome that phase of life with a dedicated fitness routine and a strict diet which, according to nutritionist Shweta Shah, included khichdi.
“I have known Rishabh Pant since before his accident. I knew about his lifestyle, what he eats, and everything else. But 5-6 months after the accident, on a video call, he told me that he was not able to eat anything. He told me how he was unable to walk even for a minute. So, you can very well understand the mental state of an athlete who is unable to walk and has no energy,” Shah told yoga trainer Shlloka.
Acknowledging that Rishabh Pant “blindly trusted” her, Shah said that he was made to “stop all medications”. “I started a khichdi diet with him, something I believe in. Trust me on it. You get all the nutrients. In Ayurveda, khichdi is a superfood for healing the body. While people associate khichdi with sick or bedridden people, it is recommended even for muscular and healthy people. I can bet that with a khichdi diet, I can give you washboard abs. It is a typical high-quality diet for a vegetarian,” said Shah.
What’s the power of a khichdi diet?
Adding that the khichdi, made with rice and dal, together have all the essential amino acids making it a “first-class protein for a vegetarian”, Shah said, “With a khichdi diet, 50 per cent of his issues were solved, and he started eating regular food.”
Another problem at hand was inflammation. “So, we started with various kinds of decoctions like lemon shots, black raisins, black pepper, and gond katira for recovery of the bones. They helped tackle his inflammation in 15-20 days,” Shah said.
Finally, the goal was to regain strength and energy. “We made plans for him to follow. His everyday food was back. So, now he is back. Weight loss, inch loss is happening.”
Shah also shared that when following a khichdi diet, one must choose “easy-to-digest rice like kolam or sona masoori. Not brown or Basmati rice, which are heavy and processed”.
Taking a cue, we spoke to an expert to understand what makes khichdi a must-have meal option.
Khichdi, a traditional Indian dish made from rice and lentils, offers a range of health benefits that can be particularly advantageous for managing various disease conditions. “After surgery, the body needs gentle, easy-to-digest foods. Khichdi fits this requirement perfectly, providing essential nutrients without causing stress on the digestive system,” said Fouziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai.
Khichdi is also filling due to its high fibre and protein content, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating. “It provides a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to manage weight effectively without compromising on nutrition,” said Ansari, adding that one can add healing spices and herbs to support recovery.
Khichdi also has an anti-inflammatory effect. “Adding turmeric and ginger can reduce inflammation, making khichdi a soothing option for conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory disorders,” said Ansari.
