India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is eager to get back on the field after sustaining a toe fracture during the fourth Test against England in July. Having not included in India's Asia Cup 2025 squad due to injury, Pant will next be seen in action in the Test series against West Indies, provided he recovers in time.
Big update on Rishabh Pant's injury
Pant picked up the injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test when he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes while batting at 37. The ball hit his right foot, forcing him to retire hurt and be escorted off the field in a golf cart. Displaying remarkable grit, Pant returned to the crease on Day 2. He went on to score a gutsy half-century, making 54 runs off 75 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Unfortunately, the fracture ultimately ruled him out of the rest of the series. Pant is expected to follow a six-week recovery plan before he can return to action. Pant took to Instagram and recently shared a photo of his bandaged foot, expressing his impatience to return to the field. His caption, "How many more days in this," resonated with fans, who quickly made the post go viral.
Pant's foot injury has ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India is in Group A of the tournament, along with Oman, the host nation UAE, and arch-rivals Pakistan. Group B consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. India will start their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10 before meeting Pakistan and Oman on September 14 and September 19 respectively.
Talking about Pant's performance in the England tour, he was appointed vice-captain of the Indian Test team. The team was led by Shubman Gill following the retirement of Rohit Sharma from red-ball cricket. Pant had a stellar performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, impressing with his batting throughout the series. The Delhi cricketer amassed 479 runs in just seven innings at an impressive average of 68.42. His performance included two centuries and three half-centuries.
Unfortunately, the foot injury forced Pant to miss the fifth and final Test. Tamil Nadu cricketer Narayan Jagadeesan was brought in as a backup wicketkeeper. Before the final Test, India was trailing the series 1-2. However, they managed to secure a dramatic six-run victory at The Oval in London, drawing the series 2-2.