Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could return to cricket action in October 2025. The star cricketer has been out of sporting action since his toe fracture injury during the 2025 Test tour of England.
Pant played in the series vs England and secured 479 runs after four Tests but could not feature in its final game. He finished the series as India’s sixth-best runs-getter and grabbed a decent 68.4 average and 77.6 strike rate in a remarkable performance. His two centuries and three fifties highlighted his contribution to India’s eventual series tie away from home.
Pant’s injury came at a time when the team needed his expertise the most, but he may be on the path to a quick comeback.
Sources Suggest October 10 Assessment Will Determine Pant’s Actual Recovery Date
Inside sources familiar with Pant’s current recovery path claim the cricketer may receive clearance to play cricket again on October 10. Medical teams at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are currently assessing his condition and will only green-light his return after confirming his full match-fitness:
“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,” the cricketer said.
How Did Pant Sustain the Toe Fracture?
Pant facing England’s Chris Woakes during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester led to his current injury. Woakes sent a yorker towards Pant, and the delivery fractured his toe. Pant already made major contributions to India’s 358 tally at the time before retiring hurt on that match day.
Rishabh bravely returned on the next day to bat while limping onto the Old Trafford ground. He retired hurt at 37 the previous day and managed to improve his tally to 54 before leaving the field of play.
Pant Already on Path to Recovery, Begins Batting Training at CoE
Rishabh Pant kicked off batting sessions at the CoE with his recovery path set to reach its conclusion sometime in October. Analysts claim Pant’s recovery after a serious foot injury indicates his resolve to return to action and a remarkable path at rejuvenation. Sources familiar with Pant’s progression had this to say regarding his most-likely full return date:
“As per the current progression, Pant could be cleared very soon. If he’s declared fully fit by the medical team, then he might be available for the two Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from October 25, considering the one against Hyderabad begins on October 15, which is too tight for testing match fitness. When he links up with the Delhi team and turns out for them, it all depends on the all-important clearance,” the unnamed sources said.
Pant’s Quick Recovery Doesn’t Come as a Surprise to Many
Rishabh is one of the toughest wicketkeepers to feature for India in recent years. His recovery from a broken metatarsal is a minor issue compared to hurdles Pant crossed to return to full match fitness in 2023.
The cricketer survived a horror car crash in December 2022 and had to undergo a long recovery plan to gain match fitness again. He returned to cricket action during IPL 2024 and has since played major roles at domestic level and in international tournaments. Fans expect Pant to bounce back as soon as possible based on his injury recovery record.
Reports Suggest a Different Route for Pant to Team India Squad
Rishabh Pant’s late July 2025 injury has kept him out of national team contention for several key fixtures in recent months. The skilled wicketkeeper-batter missed India’s successful Asia Cup 2025 campaign, and will play no part in their ongoing games against the West Indies.
Pant may also miss India’s white-ball tour of Australia judging by current circumstances, as he prepares to make a strong comeback amid his team’s busy calendar. Inside sources shed light on Pant’s likely plans ahead of his full return to India’s national team:
“Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from Oct 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team,” the source said.
Pant yet to commit to any return date, according to inside sources
No one seems to be sure when Pant will make his anticipated return to competitive cricket. He may join the Delhi contingent for Ranji Trophy action; however, inside sources do not have a confirmed date:
“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has asked to wait for the clearance from CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from Oct 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team,” an insider told reporters.
