In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant has stated that he is completely fit and 'ready to go' in time for the Test series against South Africa in mid-November. Pant, who was out of action for a few months due to a serious fracture to his foot he sustained in July during the Test series between England and India, made the announcement in an interview with the BCCI at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Currently leading the India A team in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A, Pant opened up about his rehabilitation journey from the painful yorker injury he suffered in Manchester. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CoE staff who supported him throughout his recovery.

“I started my rehab gradually. In the early days, there was a lot of physiotherapy and careful monitoring. Once I regained some mobility, I began focusing on building strength, which marked the start of the second phase. Right now, I’m happy to say that I’m fully recovered, and I owe a big thanks to the CoE staff for helping me through it,” Pant said.

Pant Shares Positivity and Focus During Recovery

Known for his resilience after surviving a life-threatening car accident in 2022, Pant shared how staying positive played a big role in his recovery journey. “Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, it’s easy to lose motivation. Your energy levels drop and frustration builds up. But if you can find small things that make you feel good, it’s important to hold onto them, especially when you’re going through that period,” he explained.

See Also: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

Pant’s return to the field, however, didn’t start with fireworks. In the first innings of the unofficial Test, he scored 17 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by South African pacer Okuhle Cele. Still, his comeback is a massive boost for India’s Test side, which drew the England series 2-2 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With Pant’s experience and presence behind the stumps, India will have greater balance ahead of the two-match home series against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final squad announcement is expected soon.

India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A have been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rishabh Pant, who has been on a long injury break, will lead the side in both the matches. Names such as Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar have been included in both squads and provide a good core to the series.

The selectors have selected some players for both games, while others are distinct in each game. It is an effort to help young players gain experience in the first game while providing older Test players with an opportunity to play in the second game. The first game is scheduled to begin on October 30, while the second game will start on November 6. Both games will be hosted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The team will also serve as a launching ground for new players to demonstrate their talent against stiff competition. By combining young blood with experience, India A is trying to offer competitive cricket while giving selectors an opportunity to evaluate players for future international games.

Young Talent and Test Stars in Focus

For the first unofficial Test, 18-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre has been included. Ayush Badoni, who was part of India A during the Australia series, has retained his place, while Rajat Patidar will play only in the first game. N Jagadeesan is the second wicketkeeper, with Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur leading the pace attack. Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has been drafted in after taking six wickets against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener.

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The second four-day game will feature experienced Test players such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the squad after his impressive performance against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. The pace attack for this match will include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed, giving India A a strong and balanced side for the second encounter.

India A Squads for South Africa A Series

1st Four-Day Match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N. Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

2nd Four-Day Match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

India’s aggressive left-handed batter, Rishabh Pant, didn’t feature in the fifth and final Test of the England series at the Kennington Oval after he picked up a foot injury during the fourth encounter at the Old Trafford in Manchester. He looked to reverse-sweep Chris Woakes as the ball hit the bridge of his foot to rule him out of the fifth game.

The injury was severe as Pant couldn’t play the T20 Asia Cup 2025, the three-match ODI and five-match T20I series against Australia down under, and the two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. The reports claimed that Pant’s right foot is slated to be assessed by BCCI’s medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

See Also: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to retire from ODIs? Sunil Gavaskar drops bombshell statement ahead of Australia ODIs

“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 BCCI source revealed as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

Rishabh Pant to make comeback in competitive cricket on October 25 through Ranji Trophy 2025-26

India will play another two-match Test series against South Africa from the middle of November, and this could provide Pant a couple of games until November 05 to play for Delhi to get fully fit. A call, however, on his availability of the Ranji Trophy games will depend on when he gets full clearance from CoE and his own preparation of the Protea series.

“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 confirmed as stated by TOI.

“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.” A top official addressed. Delhi will face Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry in the first couple of games of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

Team India can rejig their playing XI for the all-important match of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. England, with a 2-1 lead in the 5-match Test series, has created a situation where the visiting side has no option but to win the match at The Oval. For a must-win scenario, the Indian team management is reportedly set to make multiple changes in their playing combination.

According to media reports, the men in blue are likely to make 4 changes with the hope of making the highest impact on the series decider. One change is obvious—exclusion of Rishabh Pant. Narayan Jagadeesan has joined the squad as the replacement for injured Pant. But mostly chances to play the highly anticipated match tilted towards Dhruv Jurel, who did the wicketkeeping job when Pant was not available to play. Jasprit Bumrah also can miss the crucial match due to a workload management issue. 

Anshul Kamboj, who played his debut match for India in the previous match at Old Trafford, can be dropped from the playing eleven for producing underwhelming bowling stats in the 4^th Test, where India got a draw in a heroic manner. In place of two pacers—Bumrah and Kamboj—Team India may go with two other pacers. Akash Deep, who missed the Manchester Test due to injury, can make a return to the playing team. According to reports, there are chances for Prasidh Krishna also.

Read More: WATCH: Rishabh Pant's replacement increases heat at The Oval, BCCI shares video

Media reports further suggested that Shubman Gill and Company can maintain their focus on increasing the batting depth, as they did in the previous matches of the series. Thus, Kuldeep Yadav can be overlooked again. To increase the batting depth, a surprising move is the expected return of Karun Nair. Nair can again find his spot in the starting eleven, according to media reports.

Probable changes Team India can make:

OUT: Shardul Thakur, Rishabh Pant, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah

IN - Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has criticized the Indian bowling unit for their lackluster performance on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. England ended the day strongly at 225/2 in response to India’s 358, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley dominating the bowling attack. Chopra remarked that the visitors’ weaknesses were exposed, and conditions also favored the hosts.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out how England’s aggressive opening partnership dismantled India’s bowling plans. "England are 225/2. The opening partnership was destructive. They ran at more than five runs per over. They exposed a few of our gaps. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did break the partnership by bowling a little restrictively; it was a good catch as well, and (Anshul) Kamboj got a wicket towards the end, but we looked weak," he said. He further added, "Suddenly, the sun also started shining. I am in Birmingham, and it has been overcast here throughout the day, but the sun has come out in Manchester, and it came out when they started batting, which means sunlight is also listening to the hosts."

Ben Duckett hammered 94 off 100 balls with 13 fours, while Crawley made 84 off 113, also hitting 13 boundaries and a six. Their 166-run stand in just 32 overs left India searching for answers on a day when the bowlers struggled to find rhythm or movement. Chopra believes India will struggle to stay in the contest if something extraordinary doesn't happen with the ball on Day 3. "They have run far ahead in the game. If you don't produce a spell of magic, we will fall way behind in this series."

Chopra questions Sundar’s non-utilization despite past success

The former cricketer expressed concern about India's bowling choices, particularly the decision not to use Washington Sundar at all during England’s innings. He pointed out that Sundar, who had taken four wickets in the previous Test at Lord’s, was completely unused despite India fielding six bowling options. "In the end, you need bowlers to take 20 wickets. One can say they have six bowlers, but the sixth bowler hasn't come at all. You haven't given Washington Sundar a single over in 46 overs. This is the same Washington Sundar who picked up four wickets at Lord's," Chopra noted.

See Also: 'That's what India's...' - Michael Vaughan makes bold remark after Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

However, he defended captain Shubman Gill’s decision not to use Sundar, suggesting it’s difficult for a skipper to manage too many options. "You can't blame Shubman for that. Six bowlers aren't required in general, and when you have so many, it's hard to rotate everyone effectively," he concluded.

Rishabh Pant made a big mark in Test cricket on Thursday (July 24). He became India’s highest run-scorer in World Test Championship (WTC) history, going past Rohit Sharma’s total of 2716 runs. Pant needed just 40 runs in the fourth Test against England to break the record. He reached the milestone during the second session on Day 2 at Old Trafford, Manchester. This is Pant’s 38th WTC match for India. So far, he has hit six centuries and 15 fifties in the tournament.

Rishabh Pant Makes History in WTC, Breaks Rohit Sharma’s Record

On Day 1, Pant had to walk off the field after hurting his foot while batting on 37. But showing courage, he returned to bat again on Day 2 after Shardul Thakur got out. Earlier, on Wednesday, Pant also became the first non-English wicketkeeper to score 1000 Test runs in England.

🚨 HISTORY FOR RISHABH PANT 🚨

- Rishabh Pant becomes leading runs scorer for India in WTC History. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/9C3az70dn6

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 24, 2025

If Pant scores 64 more runs in this match, he’ll become only the fifth Indian – after Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and KL Rahul – to score 1000 Test runs in England against England.

ALSO READ: Who is N Jagadeesan replacing Rishabh Pant in squad for 5th ENG vs IND Test series?

Due to the foot injury, Pant will not keep wickets for the rest of the match. Dhruv Jurel will take over behind the stumps. The BCCI confirmed that Pant will still be available to bat if needed. In the third Test too, Pant couldn’t keep wickets for long because of a finger injury, and Jurel had stepped in as wicketkeeper then as well.

Rishabh Pant has added another proud moment to his Test career. On Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, the wicketkeeper-batter hit his 90th six in Test cricket. With that shot, he equaled Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in Tests.

What made it even more special was Pant’s courage. He had injured his foot on Day 1 after a yorker from Chris Woakes hit him hard. He was batting on 37 when he had to retire hurt. But on Day 2, despite the injury, Pant walked out to bat once again this time after the fall of Shardul Thakur, with India at 314 for 6.

Pant didn’t hold back. He played his natural attacking game, adding some quick runs with Washington Sundar. After Sundar and Anshul Kamboj got out, Pant carried on and reached his half-century with a four off Ben Stokes. He was finally dismissed for 54 by Jofra Archer, but not before making his mark. With 90 sixes in Tests, Pant now shares the top spot with Sehwag. Before this, Sehwag held the record with 90 sixes from 103 Tests. Rohit Sharma is also in the club with over 80 sixes, while Ravindra Jadeja follows with 74.

His debut in 2018, he become the one of India’s most fearless and reliable players in Test cricket. In just seven years, he has scored over 3,400 runs at an average of 44 , with 8 centuries to his name. From the famous win at The Gabba to his latest knock in Manchester, Pant continues to entertain fans and fight for his team.

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Twitter reactions after Rishabh Pant scripts history with most sixes for India in Test cricket

Rishabh Pant now equals Virender Sehwag for the most sixes by an Indian in Test history. 💥🇮🇳#RishabhPant #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/sPWmqD4TLB

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant, India’s joint highest six-hitter in Test cricket 💙pic.twitter.com/jyJpPCPYEZ

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) July 24, 2025

🚨 Records Rishabh Pant created today

• Most runs for India in the World Test Championship
• Most sixes for India in Test cricket history pic.twitter.com/MAtSW0YTgI

— RP17 Gang™ (@RP17Gang) July 24, 2025

Record Breaking Six from Rishabh Pant! 🔥

Most Sixes for India in Tests,
90 - Virender Sehwag
90 - Rishabh Pant@virendersehwag pic.twitter.com/vl15sGzzhu

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant equals Sehwag for the most sixes by an Indian in Test history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4HxpVlTkrx

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant overtakes MS Dhoni in the list of most sixes in Test cricket. 👑#Cricket #Test #India #Pant pic.twitter.com/CYvbvhuk4q

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 21, 2025

🚨 RECORD ALERT 🚨

Most Sixes for India 🇮🇳 in Test :

1) Rishabh Pant - 90*
2) Virender Sehwag - 90
3) Rohit Sharma - 88
4) MS Dhoni - 78
5) Ravindra Jadeja - 74

~ Once again, Rishabh Pant tops the Elite List 👏🏻 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/pdWQ7rHwc8

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant suffered a serious injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test against England. He inside-edged a reverse sweep onto his foot while playing a shot off Chris Woakes. The Indian team's vice-captain was in a lot of pain, and the physio rushed onto the field to help him. Pant lay on the ground for several minutes. The 27-year-old could not put any weight on his foot and had to be taken off the field. Later, a golf cart-like ambulance was used to take him out of the playing area, and Rishabh Pant was officially ruled out of the rest of the series.

Addressing the matter, former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned if it was fair to continue a high-stakes Test series with one team playing with only ten players. He also gave a suggestion after this incident.

Michael Vaughan Bats for Injury Substitution Rule in Tests

In a social media post, former England captain Michael Vaughan said, "Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests — we should allow like-for-like subs. We have concussion subs, so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabh's..."

Earlier, on BBC's Test Match Special, he said, “I don't like the fact that we've got four days left in the game — four days of action in what has been an incredible series — where we are going to have ten versus eleven.” Calling for a rule change, Vaughan said the game should evolve to allow injury substitutions during the first innings.

Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 24, 2025

“Once they brought in concussion subs, I was crying out, saying, ‘Well, just have substitutions then in the first innings of a game.’ That would be my stepping point,” Vaughan added.
“If someone breaks a hand or a foot, it’s so clear they are in real pain and can’t carry on. I think it’s very clear — you should be allowed a sub.”

Also Read -Three players who can replace Rishabh Pant in ongoing ENG vs IND Test series

Parthiv Patel Disagrees

However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel disagreed. He said the rules are already in place and should not be changed.

"There are already quite a few grey areas that teams try to exploit. Like in T20 cricket, we’ve seen the concussion rule, and people try to take advantage," said Parthiv during a media interaction as a JioHotstar expert. "So, in an ongoing game, if someone gets injured, what do you do? I think it’s only fair. At least now the rule has changed so that a wicketkeeper can do wicketkeeping. Earlier, even that wasn’t allowed."

Pant’s Injury Raises Wicketkeeping Concerns Again

The injury occurred when Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the 68th over on Wednesday. Blood was seen seeping through his sock, his foot was swollen, and he had to be helped off the field on a buggy, unable to walk on his own.

Pant’s absence now leaves the wicketkeeping duties open again. While Dhruv Jurel is in the squad but hasn’t been used, KL Rahul — who last kept wickets during the 2023–24 South Africa tour — could be asked to step in. This creates a tactical problem for the Indian team in such a crucial game.

This is Pant’s second injury in the series. Earlier, during the third Test at Lord’s, he had bruised a finger while keeping, which forced him to give up the gloves mid-match.

India’s promising batter Sai Sudharsan provided an update on Rishabh Pant’s condition following Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Pant suffered a painful injury to his right foot after being struck by a Chris Woakes delivery late in the final session. While visibly in pain, Pant appeared to be limping while taking his pads off near the crease. He was promptly looked at by the medical staff and subsequently taken from the field in an ambulance, putting his availability in doubt for the rest of the all-important Test match.

Speaking after stumps, Sudharsan revealed that Pant had been taken to the hospital for scans and was being closely monitored. He acknowledged that Pant’s absence would be a significant blow to the team but reassured that the remaining batters are mentally prepared to step up if he is unable to return. Sudharsan emphasized the team’s readiness to take responsibility, ensuring fans that they remain focused and confident despite the setback.

See Also: Latest press release from BCCI on Rishabh Pant's injuring during Day 1 of ENG vs IND 4th Test

“He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they've gone for scans. We'll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow. Obviously he will be a big miss, because he was batting really well today as well, and plus we miss out on a batter. If he doesn't come back again it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. We'll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well," said Sudharsan in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:

Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.

He was taken for scans from the stadium.

The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025

I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team: Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan stated that he didn’t view the situation as one filled with pressure, but rather as a great opportunity to express himself. He acknowledged that the game naturally involves pressure and how well it is handled, adding that his focus was on playing according to the situation and contributing his best to the team. He emphasized that his main thought was about helping the team rather than dwelling on the fact that it was his first Test or that he was playing in place of another batter. He clarified that he wasn't burdened by the idea that he had to score just because he was replacing someone or hadn't played the previous match.

“I'm not looking at it as a pressure situation, it's a great opportunity for me to go out there and express myself. Yes, the game is all about pressure and handling it really well. I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team. So that's the most important thought, which is right up in my mind rather than me playing my first test or me playing in place of another batter. So as a batter or as a player for the team, I'm trying to do my best when I get in there, not to think about, did I play the last game or am I replacing somebody so that I have to definitely get runs, nothing like that,” he added.

Injuries are part and parcel of any sportsman’s career, but it seems to have cemented its position in Rishabh Pant’s life for the last three weeks. During the last Test at Lord’s, he picked up a finger injury while grabbing a ball from Jasprit Bumrah. The ball swung late due to the wobble and hit the keeper’s gloves on the top of the finger. After a couple of deliveries, he left the field.

Pant was allowed to bat in both innings of the clash, as Dhruv Juel kept wickets for the Indian side. The Uttar Pradesh player played an incredible role with the gloves in pressurized situations. But Pant recovered well in the nine-day break and the management retained him for the fourth red-ball game at Old Trafford in Manchester.

See Also: [WATCH] ENG vs IND, 4th Test: Shubman Gill’s shocking dismissal for 12 runs before Tea break

And the injury knocked on his door again. Against Chris Woakes, Pant was batting well to keep the momentum with the Indian side. He nailed a few aggressive shots outside the boundary rope. Things were running smoothly for the batter and the team before he picked up an injury out of nowhere.

Watch: Rishabh Pant driven off the field with injury during ENG vs IND 4th Manchester Test

Pant attempted a premeditated reverse sweep against Woakes. It was an audacious shot from the southpaw as the ball hit the bridge of his foot, and he looked in serious pain. The doctors rushed into the middle for the treatment, which didn’t seem to be enough for him to stay in the middle.

Rishabh Pant is driven off the field of play after suffering some severe swelling on his right foot and Ravindra Jadeja walks out to the middle... 🩹 pic.twitter.com/vJlu5CABQ8

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025

The umpires, after a certain point, pushed the players to be a little quicker. Understanding the situation, the ambulance came into the middle and drove the batter off the field. Looking at the injury, it looked hard for the batter to be back at the crease any time soon. The question was whether he would be able to keep wickets.

Pant left the field with 37 runs in 48 balls with the help of two boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 77.08. India, later on, lost Sai Sudharsan for 61 runs in 151 balls and came under pressure to possibly face another collapse in the lower order.