New Delhi: Rishabh Pant is making significant strides towards his return to competitive cricket, with a potential spot in the Ranji Trophy in the final week of October. Sources indicate that Pant’s right foot is slated for assessment by the BCCI’s medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) within the upcoming week. There is a strong possibility he could receive clearance by October 10.
This journey has involved a lengthy recovery process for the young talent, and the BCCI medical team is exercising utmost caution to ensure his full fitness.
Furthermore, Pant has communicated his desire to represent Delhi in the Ranji Trophy to Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley. He has expressed his availability for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy matches starting October 25, pending his fitness and official approval from the BCCI medical team.
The aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman was sidelined from the recent two-Test series against West Indies and will also miss the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. His absence is due to a fractured foot he sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester during the last week of July. Initially, the injury was expected to heal within six weeks, but the metatarsal bone in his right foot unfortunately fractured due to the stress placed upon it when he batted the day after the initial incident.
Despite the setback, Pant has demonstrated remarkable recovery progress over the past 20 days.
While he hasn’t committed to a specific date for joining the Delhi camp, he awaits the CoE’s final decision. Participating in the first-round Ranji Trophy match from October 15 might be a very tight schedule for him. If he is declared fit, he is widely expected to lead the Delhi team.
India is scheduled to host South Africa for a two-Test series beginning November 14. Pant might play two Ranji games leading up to November 5. The final decision on the number of Ranji matches he participates in will be contingent on his clearance from the CoE and his overall preparation for the crucial series against South Africa.