Rishabh Pant to return to competitive cricket in second round of Ranji Trophy

Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant looks set to return to competitive cricket in the second round of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, with Delhi’s fixtures beginning on October 25. Following the fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru later this week, if cleared, Pant will rejoin the Delhi squad and begin the domestic route back into India’s Test plans. 

Pant has been out of action since sustaining a fractured right foot at Old Trafford in late July after inside-edging a reverse-sweep off Chris Woakes. He initially retired hurt, underwent scans that confirmed the fracture, and later returned to extend his score the next day, though he couldn’t keep wicket. That injury ruled him out of the home Tests against West Indies and India’s white-ball tour to Australia while he completed rehab. 

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Pant is in the final phase of rehabilitation. His foot was taken out of the cast over three weeks ago, and he is reportedly moving without discomfort. He has been doing mobility work, weight training, and has resumed batting drills as part of a gradual return-to-play programme. The medical team at the CoE will make the final call, as they have emphasised caution and are unlikely to rush a player of the southpaw's importance back into full match duties. 

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Pant has not committed to any date: DDCA official

If Pant secures clearance, he joins the Delhi squad for the second round of Ranji fixtures from October 25. That window would allow him to play up to two red-ball matches before India’s two-Test home series against South Africa starting November 14, a path that chief selector Ajit Agarkar has suggested for Pant’s return to the Test team. 

Notably, Delhi’s first-round game of the Ranji Trophy begins from October 15, with DDCA officials describing his availability for that match as slightly doubtful. If available later in the month, Pant is likely to lead Delhi while he remains in the state setup, with the team and selectors watching how his keeping, running between the wickets, and ability to absorb match workloads hold up. 

"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," the DDCA official said.