Rishabh Pant is nearing a return to cricket after being sidelined with a foot injury sustained during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman broke his fifth metatarsal after being hit by a Chris Woakes delivery, ruling him out for almost two months.
Pant had initially tried to continue playing through the pain but was later forced to rest. The injury kept him out of the home series against West Indies and the upcoming tour of Australia. Doctors say such fractures typically take about six weeks to heal, with a few more weeks needed for full competitive fitness.
He will undergo a fitness test at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru on Friday, October 10. His inclusion in the opening match of the Ranji Trophy against Hyderabad in Delhi will depend on whether he passes the test.
According to DDCA officials, if Pant is not ready for the first match, he is likely to return in the second round against Himachal Pradesh from October 25. They remain optimistic about his recovery, saying he has been training steadily and appears to be in a good rhythm.
“The selection will depend on fitness. He is expected to clear the test and play in the match against Hyderabad. In the worst case scenario, he will definitely be available for the second match against Himachal Pradesh from October 25,” the DDCA source said.
Pant is reportedly targeting India’s Test series against South Africa in November as his comeback to international cricket. The management is keen to see him regain his match sharpness through domestic matches before he is pushed back into the national setup.
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