Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for Indian cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced that star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will make his much-awaited comeback to competitive cricket on October 30, when he captains the India A side against South Africa A.
The four-day match, beginning October 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, will mark Pant’s first appearance since July, when he fractured his foot after being struck by a Chris Woakes delivery during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Despite the injury, Pant had shown remarkable grit by returning to bat and scoring a half-century.
Pant’s injury had ruled him out of several key assignments — including the series decider at The Oval, the Asia Cup 2025, a two-Test home series against the West Indies, and the ongoing tour of Australia.
According to the BCCI statement cited by Hindustan Times, Pant will also captain the side for the second four-day match starting November 6 at the same venue.
The first India A squad features players such as Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), N Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar. The second match squad includes senior names like KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, with Pant continuing as skipper and wicketkeeper.
Pant’s return through the India A setup is being seen as a stepping stone towards a full comeback to the national side ahead of India’s home Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14.
Team management is expected to closely monitor his fitness levels — especially his ability to keep wickets and bat for long durations — after months of rehabilitation and recovery. Pant, who had been sharing snippets of his progress on social media, has reportedly completed his rehab under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
If all goes according to plan, Rishabh Pant’s comeback through the India A matches could pave the way for his return to India’s senior Test squad next month, marking an emotional and highly anticipated comeback for one of Indian cricket’s most dynamic players.
