Injured Rishabh Pant returns to India for rehabilitation

Injured Rishabh Pant returns to India for rehabilitation. (Photo Source: Rishabh Pant/X)

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, has returned to India after he fractured his right foot during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in Manchester on July 23.

Following weeks of consultations in England and Mumbai, Pant is now set to begin rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. His recovery will check whether he can make a quick return for India’s busy schedule, with the home series against the West Indies in October seen as his first possible comeback.

Pant’s injury occurred at Old Trafford when a Chris Woakes delivery hit him on the foot. The cricketer was batting on 37 at the time and had to retire hurt. However, he returned the next day with heavy strapping to score a 54. Meanwhile, the damage ruled him out of the fifth Test at the Oval, which India went on to win and level the series. After the match, Pant stayed back in England before flying to Mumbai to meet medical experts, who have now guided him toward a rehabilitation programme in Bengaluru.

Rishabh Pant’s foot still strapped

According to a Cricbuzz report, the youngster’s foot is still strapped, and while assessments are ongoing, doctors have given him a tentative timeline for recovery. His first target is to be fit for the red-ball series against the West Indies at home in October. If that proves too soon, the white-ball series against Australia in October-November could see his return.

Pant has kept fans updated about his journey through social media, recently sharing a motivational post about his mental strength. In 2022, the southpaw had suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him sidelined for over a year. He had to undergo extensive knee surgery and rehabilitation before making his comeback to international cricket in 2024. Apart from his accident, he has also endured finger injuries and repeated fitness concerns.