After recovering from injury, Rishabh Pant in line to make domestic comeback: Report

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the toe injury that he sustained during the Manchester Test against England in July. The injury has seen him miss the Asia Cup, the ongoing Test series against West Indies and the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Though Pant is close to full recovery, the 28-year-old will reportedly be making his domestic comeback before returning to the Indian team.

According to a report by The Times of India, Pant has conveyed his wish of playing the Ranji Trophy to the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). The report further stated that Pant is in line to make his comeback in the domestic tournament for the round that will begin from October 25. However, the left-hand batter is yet to receive the clerarance to play from BCCI's medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

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“As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by Oct 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn’t want to take any chances with him," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Times of India.

“Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from October 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team," a DDCA official told Times of India.

Pant to captain Delhi?

The report further stated that the date when Pant will join the Delhi camp is not fixed. It also claimed that if Pant is indeed available for selection, then he is likely to lead Delhi in the domestic tournament.

“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has requested to wait for clearance from the CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from October 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team," the official added.

When did Pant last feature in Ranji Trophy?

Meanwhile, Pant's last appearance in the Ranji Trophy came earlier this year when he played for Delhi in the clash against Saurashtra. However, he failed to make much of an impact with the bat during that match, recording scores of 1 and 17 in the first and second innings respectively. Delhi eventually lost the match comprehensively by 10 wickets.