According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter aggravated his injury after choosing to bat again despite suffering a fracture during the Manchester Test against England earlier this year. Pant sustained the injury when a Chris Woakes yorker struck his foot.
He was visibly in pain, and although India’s physio tried to provide immediate relief, Pant had to be taken off the field on a medical buggy with blood coming out of the wound. However, his decision to resume batting in an effort to add crucial runs for India reportedly worsened the injury and delayed his recovery.
Rishabh Pant was diagnosed with a fifth metatarsal fracture, an injury that generally requires about six weeks of recovery, with most players returning within two weeks after the fracture heals.
Initially expected to be fit for the ongoing home Test series against the West Indies, Rishabh Pant couldn’t recover in time and was also ruled out of the subsequent white-ball tour of Australia.
“He may be paying the price for that decision, but he will return soon,” a source close to the player told Cricbuzz.
Rishabh Pant Set to Return in Ranji Trophy for Delhi Ahead of India Comeback
After missing the West Indies Tests and the Australia tour, Rishabh Pant is gearing up for a long-awaited return to competitive cricket through the upcoming Ranji Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to feature for Delhi as part of his comeback plan before targeting India’s home Test series against South Africa later this year.
Rishabh Pant will undergo a crucial fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Friday (October 10). There is growing optimism that the 28-year-old will clear the assessment and be declared match-ready.
According to reports, the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) is likely to name Pant in its Ranji Trophy squad, subject to fitness clearance. He could make his first appearance in Delhi’s opening game against Hyderabad starting October 15.
“The selection will depend on his fitness. He is expected to pass the test and play in the Hyderabad match. If not, he should be ready for the next game against Himachal Pradesh from October 25,” a DDCA official said.
Rishabh Pant has reportedly been in touch with DDCA officials about participating in domestic fixtures as part of his gradual return.
During Rishabh Pant absence, Dhruv Jurel has taken over wicketkeeping duties in Tests and even scored a century in the Ahmedabad match. However, if Pant successfully completes his fitness evaluation and proves his form in domestic cricket, he is expected to reclaim his place in India’s Test squad for the home series against South Africa in November-December.
