Rishabh Pant Eyes Ranji Trophy Comeback in Late October After Three-Month Injury Layoff

Rishabh Pant is set to make his return to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy's second round starting October 25, nearly three months after fracturing his right foot during India's Test tour of England. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation and is expected to appear for a crucial fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru this week, with clearance expected by October 10.

The Manchester Injury

Rishab Pant Injured during manchester test

Pant sustained the fracture during the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 24 when a yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck his right toe. Despite scans revealing a fractured metatarsal, Pant showed remarkable courage by returning to bat when India needed runs, contributing a valuable half-century that helped the team draw the match and keep the series alive at 2-1.

What was initially expected to be a six-week recovery became more complicated when the metatarsal bone snapped further due to the pressure Pant put on it by batting the next day after his injury. This setback extended his rehabilitation timeline significantly.

Current Recovery Status

According to BCCI sources quoted by Times of India, Pant has made impressive progress over the past 20 days and is now in excellent shape.

"As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by October 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn't want to take any chances with him."

Pant's cast was removed more than three weeks ago, and he is now moving freely without discomfort. His rehabilitation has focused on mobility exercises, weight training drills to strengthen the foot, and he has also resumed batting in the nets.

The Ranji Trophy Plan

Pant has informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) about his desire to return to competitive cricket through the domestic route. A top DDCA official revealed:

"Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from October 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team."

While Delhi's first-round match against Hyderabad begins October 15, Pant remains "slightly doubtful" for that fixture given the tight timeline. If cleared, he's expected to link up with the squad for the second round and likely take over the captaincy from Ayush Badoni, who has been leading in his absence.

Stellar England Series Before Injury

Pant was in red-hot form before the injury struck, scoring 479 runs in four matches during the England series at an average of 68.42 and strike rate of 77.63. He struck two centuries and three fifties, finishing as the sixth-highest run-getter in the series. His aggressive yet impactful batting played a crucial role in India securing a remarkable 2-2 series draw after winning the final Test at The Oval by six runs.

Dhruv Jurel's Emergence

In Pant's absence, 24-year-old Dhruv Jurel has seized his opportunity brilliantly. Playing as first-choice keeper during the ongoing West Indies series, Jurel announced himself with a magnificent maiden Test century—125 off 210 balls in Ahmedabad—combined with reliable glovework. His performance has sparked debates about whether he should continue as a specialist batsman even when Pant returns, given his obvious quality.

Target: South Africa Tests

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has indicated that Pant is being lined up for India's two-Test home series against South Africa starting November 14. This gives Pant the opportunity to potentially play two Ranji matches before November 5, allowing him to regain match fitness and rhythm before the international assignment.

"With regards to Rishabh, I don't think he's quite made this series. He won't be ready, but like I said, we're hopeful that by the time South Africa comes around, he's 100% fit."

Pant has already been ruled out of the white-ball tour to Australia starting October 19, having not received a "return to play" certificate from the Centre of Excellence.

The Road Ahead

The upcoming fitness assessment will be decisive for Pant's comeback timeline. If cleared by October 10 as expected, he'll have approximately two weeks to prepare before the Ranji Trophy's second round. Playing domestic cricket will help him rebuild batting confidence, regain wicketkeeping sharpness, and prove his match fitness to selectors.

For a player who has established himself as India's first-choice Test wicketkeeper-batter across all conditions, this domestic route represents both a sensible rehabilitation strategy and a testament to the new merit-based culture being implemented under head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Agarkar—where even established stars must prove their fitness and form through performance rather than reputation alone.