Injured Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is gearing up for a long-awaited return to red-ball cricket. After fracturing his foot during the fifth Test of India’s tour of England in July, the dynamic southpaw is eyeing a comeback in the Ranji Trophy later this month. According to a Times of India report on October 6, Pant could receive medical clearance from the BCCI’s medical team by October 10.
Pant’s injury occurred during the Manchester Test on July 24, when an attempted reverse sweep went wrong and the ball struck his right foot. Despite being diagnosed with a toe fracture, the determined wicketkeeper came back to bat when India was struggling, showcasing his trademark grit.
However, he was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the series. While surgery wasn’t required, Rishabh Pant’s foot was placed in a cast, and he began light training sessions in September.
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Reports suggest he’s now moving freely and has shown encouraging signs of recovery. A senior BCCI official told TOI, “There’s a high chance he could be cleared by October 10. The medical team will conduct a final assessment this week, but they are being cautious given his long rehabilitation.”
Rishabh Pant is set to make his long-awaited comeback! 🇮🇳
He could return to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy from Oct 25. 🏏
✍️ @AraniBasuTOI https://t.co/4prshsuq4A
— TOI Sports (@toisports) October 6, 2025
The report further states that Rishabh Pant has expressed his willingness to play in Ranji matches starting October 25, provided he receives clearance from the medical team. A Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) source confirmed that if Pant returns, he will lead Delhi in the red-ball competition.
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For now, Rishabh Pant remains absent from India’s ODI and T20I squads for the Australia tour and is unlikely to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026. However, selectors are optimistic that a strong Ranji campaign could pave the way for his inclusion in the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, marking a significant step in his comeback journey.
