Rishabh Pant played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant ICC T20 World Cup campaign two years ago, but he will miss the upcoming title defence. Once an automatic pick as India’s wicketkeeper-batter, Pant has seen his place in the T20I pecking order overtaken by the explosive Sanju Samson and the left-handed dynamo Ishan Kishan since India’s historic 2024 victory.

Beyond competition, injuries have significantly disrupted Pant’s career. The 28-year-old is currently rehabilitating from an oblique muscle tear sustained in January during a practice session ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, when a throw-down struck him. That setback forced him out of selection conversations, compounding the challenge of reclaiming his spot in a stacked Indian limited-overs setup.

Speaking as a 33-year-old cricket writer, I find Pant’s determination unwavering. He is committed to daily improvement and is pushing hard at the Centre of Excellence to accelerate his recovery. “As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay,” he reflected recently, underscoring the mindset that powered his earlier rise.

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Pant expects to return sooner rather than later. “My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence, and I think I’m going to be out (on the field) soon,” he said.

Is Rishabh Pant Ready to Return to the Field Soon? New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant reported
that his recovery from a side strain is going well at the BCCI Centre of
Excellence in Bengaluru, and he looks forward… https://t.co/nouVyKcWfn pic.twitter.com/jwUHHAQE4Z

— NationPress (@np_nationpress) February 4, 2026

Time away from the crease has also shifted Pant’s perspective. He says every rehabilitation phase has taught him gratitude, greater clarity about life, and a renewed commitment to what truly brings him joy. “When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game… you also enjoy it while playing it at the top level. That’s something I miss truly,” he admitted.

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Surrounded by a strong support system, Pant credits family, teammates and coaches for keeping him grounded. Their encouragement, along with his love for the sport, remains his strongest motivation as he prepares for the next chapter of his international career.

Fans and pundits will watch Pant’s fitness updates and potential return to India’s T20 side.