Pant is expected to be back in action for the second round of the Ranji Trophy

Pant is expected to be back in action for the second round of the Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy 2025: Rishabh Pant is set to return for the Delhi Team in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy later this month after BCCI medical clearance. Indian wicketkeeper-batter fractured his toe during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.

Rishabh Pant might return to competitive cricket in the second round of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, starting October 25, as he begins his journey back to Test cricket ahead of India’s two-match series against South Africa from November 14. This aligns with chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s earlier hint during the squad announcement for the West Indies Tests.

Pant fractured his right foot during the Old Trafford Test in July and is now in the final phase of his recovery. He’s set to undergo a fitness test at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru later this week. His cast was removed over three weeks ago, and he’s reportedly moving comfortably, doing mobility and strength training, and has resumed batting.

If cleared, Pant may join the Delhi squad for the Ranji Trophy. However, he’s still “slightly doubtful” for the opening match against Hyderabad on October 15, according to the DDCA.

Pant sustained the injury while reverse-sweeping Chris Woakes, forcing him to retire hurt. Though he returned to bat the next day, he couldn’t keep wicket. He ended the England series with 479 runs in four Tests, including two centuries and three fifties.

In his absence, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are handling wicketkeeping duties for India’s Test series against the West Indies. Pant is also missing the white-ball tour of Australia starting October 19, as he hasn’t yet received his “return to play” clearance.

Once fit, Pant is expected to captain Delhi. Until then, Ayush Badoni will lead the side.