A huge setback came Rishabh Pant's way when he injured his foot by a Chris Woakes delivery during the fourth Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. It was a brave move by him wherein he came out to bat just the subsequent day, that too in visible pain.
However, the move worked like adding salt to the wounds of the wicketkeeper-batter and the vice captain, ruling him for cricketing action for at least eight weeks at that time. Despite him not taking any part in the remainder of the series henceforth,
he was unable to recover in time.
Pant was initially expected to be available for the current home series against West Indies. However, he was not able to recover to full fitness even for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia Down Under.
As per Cricbuzz, it is reported that the wicketkeeper-batter sustained a fifth metatarsal fracture. This sort of injury usually requires at least six weeks to completely recover from. Players with this injury typically recover and make a comeback within a couple of weeks. A source close to the development has reported that Pant will be back to action soon.
The 28-year-old is scheduled to undergo a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Friday, October 10. There is an increased sense of anticipation that he will pass the test and get back to action soon. As per a source from the Delhi District Cricket Association, Pant's selection for the season-opening clash will be subject to fitness.
"The selection will be subject to fitness. He is expected to clear the test and play in the Hyderabad game. In the worst-case scenario, he will certainly be available for the second match against Himachal Pradesh, from October 25," the DDCA source said.
It is understood that the left-handed batter has had a chat with the DDCA officials in relation to playing in the domestic fixture. Pant will be aiming on making an India comeback in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, which is slated to be played in November.
