Breaking news from Mumbai confirms that India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, will unfortunately be unavailable for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. This crucial series, featuring three One Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals, is scheduled to kick off with the first ODI in Perth on October 19. Pant’s absence stems from a fractured foot suffered on July 23 during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. The injury occurred while he attempted a reverse sweep off a Chris Woakes yorker, forcing him to retire hurt after scoring 37 runs. Since then, the 28-year-old has missed the fifth Test against England, the T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, and India’s current home Test series against West Indies.
Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed on Saturday that Pant’s recovery process is proving to be “very slow,” despite his recent consultations with medical specialists in Mumbai. It is now anticipated that his return to international cricket might only be possible for the first Test against South Africa, slated for November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. His powerful presence in the middle-order will be sorely missed throughout India’s eight white-ball clashes in Australia, especially considering his impact was noticeably absent during the T20 Asia Cup, even with Sanju Samson stepping up.
In a display of immense courage, Pant had valiantly returned to the crease the day after his initial injury in the Old Trafford Test, his foot heavily strapped. He managed to score an impressive 54 runs. However, it’s possible that this brave effort might have inadvertently worsened his injury, consequently prolonging his rehabilitation period.
The BCCI is poised to unveil the full squad for the Australian tour this Saturday, October 4. Reports suggest that prominent senior players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who haven’t represented India since the Champions Trophy earlier this year (February-March), are expected to make their return to the national side for this important tour.