New Delhi: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to begin his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a right foot fracture sustained during the Old Trafford Test against England in July.
With India’s next World Test Championship assignment—a two-Test series against West Indies at home (October 2-6 in Ahmedabad and October 10-14 in Delhi)—approaching, Pant’s return is crucial. The squad for the series is expected to be announced in the last week of September, making his recovery timeline particularly important, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Pant suffered the injury after a toe-crushing yorker from England pacer Chris Woakes struck his right foot in the 68th over of the opening day of the fourth Test. The impact was severe, with visible swelling and slow bleeding when he removed his boot. The pain was evident, forcing him to retire hurt on 37(54), unable to walk back, and he was taken off the field in a golf buggy.
Despite the fracture, Pant returned to the crease and added crucial runs with his trademark flair, helping India reach 358. He did not keep wickets and stayed in the dressing room during the second innings. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar stepped up, scoring an unbeaten 101(296) and playing a vital role in India securing a memorable draw alongside Ravindra Jadeja at Old Trafford.
Pant’s return on the second day surprised everyone. Just before lunch, India was 314/6 when the southpaw strode back to the crease to a standing ovation. Showing his characteristic aggression, he smashed his 90th Test six, equaling Virender Sehwag as India’s top six-hitter in the format. He followed it up with a well-timed boundary to reach a hard-earned half-century. His resistance ended at 54(75) when England’s Jofra Archer uprooted his off-stump with a fierce delivery.
