Rishabh Pant has returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a foot injury sustained earlier this year during India’s tour of England.
Pant is currently leading the India A squad in the first of two unofficial Tests against South Africa A in Bengaluru. Having not played any form of cricket since returning from England, Pant is taking part in this match to get some game time under his belt before the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant spoke about his recovery journey. “The first part of the process was healing. For the first six weeks, you have to heal the fracture and then you come to the CoE. The healing went well,” he said. “I started my rehab slowly, went through a bit of physio work in the initial days, then gradually moved towards working on my strength, and from there started the second phase. Right now, I’m here with you, fully recovered — thanks to the CoE for that.”
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, especially during injury. “Being positive is really a mindset thing. During injury, you tend to get demotivated. The energy levels are not great; you’re frustrated. But if you can do small things that make you feel good, you have to do that as well — especially when you’re injured,” Pant added.
The vice-captain of the Indian team, Pant kept wicket in the first innings before coming out to bat after several months. It wasn’t a memorable outing for him, as he managed only 17 runs off 20 balls before losing his wicket to Okuhle Cele.
India were bowled out for 234 in response to South Africa’s first-innings total of 309. The Proteas’ second innings is currently underway at the Centre of Excellence.
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