Bengaluru, Oct 18 (UNI) Rishabh Pant has received fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team, clearing the path for his return to competitive cricket.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is set to feature for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, with his first match scheduled to begin on October 25 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This fixture will serve as a key platform for Pant to regain match fitness and demonstrate his readiness for international cricket.
A member of the selection committee confirmed that Pant has been closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has been advised to prove his form and fitness in the Ranji Trophy before being considered for national duties. A selector will also be present at the match to assess his performance.
Pant has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following an injury sustained during the Manchester Test against England. He was struck on the toe by a Chris Woakes yorker on the first day, forcing him to miss the final Test of the five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The injury also ruled Pant out of the two-Test series against the West Indies, where Dhruv Jurel and Narayan Jagadeesan replaced him in the playing XI. India secured a 2-0 clean sweep in that series. Pant has shared updates of his recovery on social media, giving fans a glimpse of his rehabilitation progress.
With the South African tour of India beginning in November, Pant will be looking to use the Ranji Trophy as a springboard for his return to the national team.
The series will start in Kolkata on November 14, followed by another Test, three ODIs, and five T20Is across India.
His performance in the domestic tournament will be closely watched by the selectors, with the aim of reintegrating him into the playing XI for the crucial home series.
