Rishabh Pant A Doubt For India Test Squad vs South Africa? Report Reveals Major Criteria For Selection

After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Rishabh Pant might finally be inching closer to a return to competitive cricket — but his availability for India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa still depends on one crucial factor: medical clearance.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who has been training tirelessly at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since mid-September, is expected to undergo another assessment of his right foot injury next week.

According to IANS, Pant is on track to play for Delhi in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy, possibly from October 25, provided the medical team gives him the green signal. The earlier match against Hyderabad on October 15 might come too soon for him, but the following games could serve as his ideal comeback platform.

“As per the current progression, Pant could be cleared very soon. If declared fit, he might play the two Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi before national selection,” a source told IANS.

Pant had sustained a fracture in his right metatarsal during the fourth Test against England in Manchester this July after inside-edging a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. Despite being in pain and arriving at the ground in a moonboot, Pant showed his trademark grit — returning the next day to score a fighting 54.

The injury, however, forced him out of the West Indies Test series and the Australia white-ball tour, starting later this month in Perth.

Now, if Pant proves his fitness and performs well in Delhi’s Ranji matches against Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry, he will be in contention for the two-match Test series against World Test Championship winners South Africa, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Pant’s return would be a huge boost for India, especially considering his stellar form before the injury — he scored 479 runs in seven innings at an average of 68.42 during the England tour, including two breathtaking centuries at Headingley.

Beyond numbers, Pant’s infectious energy, fearless attitude, and ability to turn games on their head have made him one of India’s most valuable Test cricketers. Fans and selectors alike will be hoping to see him don the whites again soon.