Rishabh Pant’s road back to competitive cricket will commence with the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. The wicketkeeper batter has been out with a right foot injury since late July and wasn’t available for selection in the Asia Cup, the India vs West Indies Test series, or the Australia white-ball tour.
BCCI to assess Rishabh Pant’s injury
The medical team at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) will assess Pant’s right foot soon. He’s been out of action for over two months now, and they don’t want to exacerbate the injury by allowing him to play prematurely.
“As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by Oct 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn’t want to take any chances with him,” a BCCI source told the Times of India.
Ready for the Ranji Trophy
If the medical team clears him, Pant will feature in Delhi’s second match of the 2025-26 domestic season against Himachal Pradesh in Elite Group D. The wicketkeeper has already talked with Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley about the matter.
“Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from Oct 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team,” a DDCA official told the Times of India.
The Indian Test vice-captain hasn’t confirmed when he’ll join Delhi’s team for the Ranji Trophy camp since he’s yet to get clearance from the medical team at the CoE, but it’s unlikely that he’ll play against Hyderabad in Delhi’s opening match. Pant might lead the team instead of Ayush Badoni.
“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has asked to wait for the clearance from CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from Oct 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team,” the official added.
What hindered Pant’s recovery?
Initially, it was expected that Pant would need 6 weeks to recover and that the Asia Cup could mark his return. But by deciding to bat with a broken foot, he exerted pressure on the metatarsal of his right foot, and it snapped. That’s why Pant’s comeback has been delayed.
The India vs South Africa Test series will commence on November 14, and Pant might play two Ranji Trophy matches for Delhi as preparation for the home series. Of course, all of this will depend on whether the CoE medical team grants him permission to play after assessing his foot.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
