India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a successful return to training, marking a positive development for Indian cricket fans. Pant resumed practice at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 14 (Sunday), in what was his first training session since suffering a foot fracture during the five-match Test series against England.
Pant Resumes Training Without Cast
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Pant is now walking comfortably without a cast, a strong sign of his recovery progress. His training session in Bengaluru signals that the 27-year-old could be on track for a potential comeback ahead of India’s upcoming home Test series.
Pant had fractured his foot during the Old Trafford Test, attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the first innings. Despite the injury, he returned to bat under challenging circumstances, helping India secure a dramatic draw. His grit and determination were widely praised across the cricketing world.
India’s Test Series vs West Indies: What’s Next?
India’s next red-ball assignment is a two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. The first Test is scheduled to be played on October 2 (Thursday) in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test on October 10 (Friday) in Delhi.
If Pant is fully fit by then, he is expected to return as the first-choice wicketkeeper. However, in case he needs more time to recover, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in the final Test of the England series, is likely to retain his spot. Narayan Jagadeesan, who was the backup, could also remain in the squad as the secondary wicketkeeping option.
India will be keen to have Pant back in action, not just for his skills behind the stumps, but also for his explosive batting in the middle order. Whether or not he makes it in time for the West Indies series, this return to training is an encouraging sign for Team India’s long-term plans.
