Rishabh Pant is likely to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket in the second round of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, beginning on October 25. His comeback would mark the start of his journey back to Test cricket, with the goal of featuring in India’s two-match series against South Africa from November 14. The update aligns with chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s comments last month in Dubai when he hinted that Pant was close to full fitness.
Pant fractured his right foot during the Old Trafford Test against England in July and has since undergone an extensive rehabilitation program. He is currently in the final phase of recovery and is set to undergo a fitness assessment later this week at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. His foot was removed from a cast over three weeks ago, and he is now walking comfortably without discomfort. The wicketkeeper-batter has resumed batting and focused on mobility and strength training to aid his return.
If cleared, Pant is expected to join the Delhi squad ahead of their second Ranji fixture. However, his participation in the opening-round match against Hyderabad on October 15 remains uncertain, with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) describing him as “slightly doubtful.”
Pant has been out of action since fracturing his foot while reverse-sweeping Chris Woakes in July. Although he returned to bat the next day, he couldn’t take the gloves. He ended the England series with 479 runs, including two centuries and three fifties.
In his absence, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are handling wicketkeeping duties in the ongoing Test series against West Indies. Pant will also miss the white-ball tour of Australia as he hasn’t yet received his “return to play” clearance. Once fit, he is expected to lead Delhi, with Ayush Badoni captaining until then.
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