Rishabh Pant set to return to action after long injury lay-off - Report
Rishabh Pant is set to make his return to the cricket field after a long break due to a foot injury and might likely be available to play two Ranji Trophy games ahead of the India vs South Africa Test series.
New Delhi: Rishabh Pant's road to the cricket field will begin with playing two Ranji Trophy games ahead of the India vs South Africa Test series, according to TOI. The wicket-keeper batter sustained an injury in his right foot during the fourth Test match against India on July 23. He was expected to recover in six weeks, but two and a half months later, Pant had still not recovered fully.
Pant wasn't available for the Asia Cup 2025, the two-Test match series between India and the West Indies, and Australia's white-ball tour. The Delhi batter is currently rehabilitating at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and might clear all fitness issues by October 10.
The left-hand batter desired to play the Delhi vs Himachal Pradesh Ranji game on October 25 after clearing fitness tests. The Ranji Trophy will commence on October 15, and Delhi haven't announced the squad yet for the first-class tournament.
Pant hasn't committed to any date for his return, but if he is fully fit, then there will be no questions raised on his availability to join the Delhi squad. DDCA confirmed that 'If Pant is available, he is most likely to lead the team,' according to TOI.
India will play a two-Test match series against South Africa, starting from November 14, and most likely, Pant will be available for selection. He is also the vice-captain of the Indian Test side.
Dhruv Jurel replaces Rishabh Pant in India's Test playing XI
Due to Rishabh Pant's absence, India's second-choice wicket-keeper, Dhruv Jurel, got the opportunity in the first Test match between India and the West Indies. Jurel grabbed the opportunity and smashed a maiden red-ball ton.
Jurel's consistent performance in the red-ball format could give him a chance to play as a pure batter, and currently India are looking for a no. 3 batter in the format. Earlier, Karun Nair got the chance to bat at no. 3, but his failures led selectors to drop him for the home series.
Sai Sudarshan is now batting at no. 3, but he hasn't impressed fans with his performance at that no. yet. If Jurel finds success in the second Test match also, then there might be a chance Gautam Gambhir will look at him for the no. 3.