BCCI Confirms Rishabh Pant’s Comeback: India Wicketkeeper to Return to Action Since July

Cricket fans can rejoice as Rishabh Pant is making a much-anticipated return to the field. India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, who fractured his foot during the 4th Test against England in Manchester in July, has recovered and will captain the India A team in two four-day matches against South Africa A starting October 30. These games will serve as warm-ups ahead of the India vs South Africa Test series, beginning November 14.

Split Squads for the Games

Pant will lead two slightly different squads for the matches at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence:

• First Game (October 30): Features emerging talents such as Sai Sudharsan, N Jagdeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar.

• Second Game (November 6): Includes more established players like KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, who were part of the England tour. This is due to the senior Indian team’s ongoing commitments in Australia, including the ODI and T20I series.

The four-day games will be followed by ODI matches in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19.

Pant’s Road to Recovery

Pant was injured after being struck by a yorker from Chris Woakes in Manchester. Despite the fracture, he bravely returned to score a gritty half-century, helping India post a competitive total. However, the injury sidelined him for the Asia Cup, the two-Test series against West Indies at home, and India’s ongoing Australia tour.

Over the past month, Pant expressed frustration at the slow recovery, often sharing updates on social media. His dedication and BCCI-supervised rehabilitation have now paid off, paving the way for his return ahead of the two home Tests against South Africa.

Pant’s recent form had been exceptional, with twin centuries at Leeds in the first Test against England, followed by fifties in Birmingham, Lord’s, and Manchester. India will be hoping he quickly regains that form.

India A Squad for the 1st Four-Day Match

Captain/WK: Rishabh Pant
VC: Sai Sudharsan
Players: Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain

India A Squad for the 2nd Four-Day Match

Captain/WK: Rishabh Pant
VC: Sai Sudharsan
Players: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Pant’s return is expected to bolster India’s batting lineup and provide momentum heading into the Test series against the reigning world champions.