India wicketkeeper-batter could make a comeback in the last week of October during the Ranji Trophy. Pant has been out of action since the , where he picked up a foot injury during the fourth Test.
Initially, Pant was expected to recover in six weeks, but the metatarsal of his right foot snapped due to the pressure he put on his foot when he came out to bat the next day. According to a report in TOI, the BCCI medical team will assess Pant’s right foot at the Center of Excellence (COE) in the coming week
“As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by Oct 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,” a BCCI source told TOI
The report reveals that Rishabh Pant has expressed a wish to play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. “Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from October 25. He has conveyed that it will be subjected to fitness and clearance from the BCCI medical team,” a top DDCA source told TOI.
Following the injury, Pant missed the two-match Test series against the West Indies and was also ruled out of the white-ball tour of Australia, where India will play three ODIs and as many T20Is.
“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has asked to wait for the clearance from CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from Oct 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team,” the DDCA official said.
India are set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series from November 14, and Pant could make his comeback in the series. Before that, he could play two Ranji matches for Delhi till November 5.