Team India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has returned to India and is preparing to begin his recovery program at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Test vice-captain is aiming for a comeback in the Test series against the West Indies in October, after consulting medical specialists in Mumbai.
Pant fractured his foot while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on July 23. The left-handed batter had to miss the series finale at The Oval, and the injury also ruled him out of India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, set to begin on September 9.
Rishabh Pant Targeting India’s Next Home Series Against the West Indies
The Indian selectors have picked Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeepers in the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup, after Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the tournament.
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Pant, who remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the Test format, is now working towards making a return during the upcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies.
The series will begin at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, before moving to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi for the second Test, scheduled from October 10 to 14.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, “Pant is targeting India’s next home series against the West Indies in October for his comeback, and if that does not happen, the white-ball series against Australia in October-November seems a realistic possibility.”
Rishabh Pant Has Been Inconsistent in Limited-Overs Cricket
After the Test series against the West Indies, India will travel to Australia for the white-ball tour. Three ODIs will be played in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25, followed by a five-match T20I series. Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane will host the T20Is.
Rishabh Pant has been inconsistent in limited-overs cricket. He was named in India’s squads for the England series in February 2025 and the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, but notably, he did not get to feature in the Champions Trophy.
Pant last played a T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 28, 2024. He has missed series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and England, with the team management choosing to manage the workload of players involved in Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant Appointed Vice-Captain for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Rishabh Pant was appointed vice-captain for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy under Shubman Gill’s leadership. He scored 479 runs at an impressive average of 68.42, including two centuries and three fifties.
The left-handed batter was forced to retire hurt on 37 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. He returned to bat the following day despite the pain and went on to score 54 before being dismissed. He missed the fifth Test, and Narayan Jagadeesan was drafted in as his replacement.
India managed to defeat England by six runs at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2. Pant remained in England after the series before flying back to India a few days ago.
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