India star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant has made his cricketing comeback after getting an injury in England during the fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Pant, who was India's vice-captain in England, got hit on the right foot while batting in the fourth Test, while attempting a reverse sweep off bowler Chris Woakes.
Rishabh Pant on rehab process
After recovering, Pant made his cricketing comeback, leading India A in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A, where he failed to make an impact with the bat. He was seen motivating the teammates while keeping wickets. After Day 1 of the first unofficial Test, Pant opened up about the hard times he faced during rehabilitation from the injury he suffered in England and how frustrating the process was. BCCI shared a clip where the Uttarakhand-born cricketer also talked about how demotivating the rehab period was and how he did not lose focus, which contributed to his success.
"I started my rehab slowly, slowly, went through a little bit of, you know, physio work in the initial 10-15 days, slowly, slowly getting back to doing my strength, a little bit of rehab. And it all started from there as a second phase for me, and right now I'm here with you, fully recovered. Thanks to COE for that," Pant said in the video shared by BCCI.
Pant on the importance of a positive mindset during injury
Pant also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the rehab period. Notably, Pant earlier survived a near-fatal accident on December 30 2022, that forced him out of the cricketing action till IPL 2024
"Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, you tend to get demotivated. The energy levels are not great, you are frustrated, you know. But if you can do small, small things that make you feel good, you have to do that part also, especially when you are injured.
"When you're going through an injury time, you're doing your rehab, you tend to get frustrated most of the time. But at the same time, you know, people around you, if they can make you feel safer, make you feel protected, make you show that love and care. And that's what I got from all the physios, even coaches, you know, when you talk to them, you can feel that warmth that yes, you're going through a tough time, you're doing that rehab, but you can still come out of it with a flying colour," he added.
"For me, it was more about getting the volume done and the practice."
India A vs South Africa A 1st Unofficial Test Day 2 report
South Africa gained the momentum in the game on the second day against India A, leading by 105 runs at stumps. After bowling out the visitors for 309, India A struggled with the bat and were dismissed for 234, giving up a 75-run lead. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen shone with a brilliant 5/61, exploiting the Indian batters’ mistakes. Teenager Ayush Mhatre was India’s lone bright spot, scoring a fluent 65 off 76 balls. Rishabh Pant, returning to cricket after three months, made 17 before falling to a loose shot but impressed as wicketkeeper. South Africa A ended the day solidly at 30 without loss.