Rishabh Pant is edging towards a comeback. The Delhi wicketkeeper–batter, out since fracturing his right foot at Old Trafford in July, will be assessed at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru later this week. If he clears that fitness test, he is pencilled in to play Delhi’s second Ranji Trophy match, which begins on 25 October, and could push for a Test recall when India meet South Africa from 14 November.
Those are the bare facts. They align with chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s recent hint in Dubai that “we expect Rishabh to be available once he finishes his rehab”. The selectors opted for Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan for the West Indies series now under way, but Agarkar left the door open, adding, “we’ll take another look once the doctors are happy”.
Pant’s foot came out of its cast a little over three weeks ago. Since then he has progressed from gentle mobility drills to full weight-bearing work and, crucially, batting against high-velocity throw-downs. A Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) official confirmed he is “moving freely, no limp”, though the medical team will decide whether the opening Ranji fixture in Hyderabad on 15 October comes too soon. “He’s still slightly doubtful for that first game,” the official said.
The freak injury – a reverse-sweep onto his own foot off Chris Woakes – forced Pant to retire hurt during the fourth Test against England. He returned next day to complete a gutsy 106 but could not keep wicket. He still finished the series with 479 runs in four Tests, a tally that underlined his importance to India’s middle order.
Delhi expect him to captain whenever available. For now, Ayush Badoni leads the side. Team-mate Nitish Rana summed up the mood: “Having Rishabh back, even for a couple of games, would lift everyone. He brings energy you can’t fake.”
Pant’s absence has also affected India’s white-ball plans. He was left out of the T20I squad for Australia later this month because, as a BCCI statement put it, he had not yet received a “return-to-play certificate”.
While the medical bulletins are encouraging, the selectors are wary of rushing him. Former India physio Patrick Farhart offered a neutral view: “Fractures around the foot can feel great one day and sore the next. The challenge is balancing enthusiasm with patience.”
If the 25-year-old comes through the CoE tests and at least one Ranji outing unscathed, he is likely to slot straight back into India’s Test XI against South Africa. That, however, is a few hurdles away. For the moment, the focus is on a mid-October checkpoint and, ideally, a low-key domestic return nine days later. Small steps, literally and figuratively, yet vital ones.
