India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is finally close to making his much-awaited comeback. After months of recovery from a foot injury, Pant is now in the last phase of rehabilitation and is likely to feature in Ranji Trophy second round for Delhi from October 25. If cleared in the upcoming fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, Pant could rejoin domestic cricket ahead of India’s big series against South Africa in November.
How the Injury Happened
Pant suffered the injury during the Manchester Test against England, when a yorker from Chris Woakes struck his foot. Though he bravely returned to bat and scored a fighting half-century, scans later confirmed a fracture. The blow forced him to miss the remainder of the series and subsequent tournaments including the Asia Cup, West Indies Tests, and Australia tour.
Current Fitness Update
According to BCCI sources, Pant has been steadily improving. He is walking comfortably, doing mobility drills, weight training, and batting practice in the nets. His official fitness test is scheduled this week, and reports suggest he may receive clearance by October 10. Once approved, he is expected to be available for Delhi’s Ranji campaign later this month.
However, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials remain cautious, indicating that he may skip the first Ranji match starting October 15 against Hyderabad, with his eye set firmly on the October 25 fixture. If selected, Pant could even lead the Delhi side, adding depth and experience to the squad.
Before being sidelined, Pant was in fine form. In the England Test series, he scored 479 runs in four matches, with two centuries and three fifties, striking at nearly 78 – an extraordinary rate for red-ball cricket. His aggressive batting and fighting spirit once again underlined his importance in India’s middle order.
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India’s next big challenge will be the two-match Test series against South Africa starting November 14. If Pant manages to play Delhi’s Ranji games in October, it will give him valuable match practice before the high-profile series. His return will also strengthen India’s wicketkeeping department, where Dhruv Jurel has impressed in his absence.
The latest Rishabh Pant injury update brings good news for Indian cricket fans. His return to fitness could not have come at a better time, with crucial Tests against South Africa around the corner. If all goes well, Delhi’s Ranji match on October 25 could mark the beginning of Pant’s second innings in Indian cricket, setting the stage for a grand international comeback.
