Rishabh Pant’s journey back to the cricketing spotlight is gathering pace, and fans across India are holding their breath. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who fractured his right foot during the dramatic Old Trafford Test against England in July 2025, is now set to resume his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru next week. It’s been months since Pant last donned the Indian jersey, and his return could not be more timely with the high-stakes World Test Championship series against West Indies looming large.
Pant’s injury unfolded in a manner as unorthodox as his batting style. On the first day at Old Trafford, he attempted a typically audacious reverse sweep off England’s Chris Woakes. The shot, however, didn’t go as planned. Instead of racing to the boundary, the ball ricocheted off his bat and struck his right foot. The pain was immediate and intense. Pant retired hurt on 37 runs, and medical scans soon confirmed a fracture. According to ESPNcricinfo, “Pant’s foot is not in a cast anymore and he has been walking comfortably,” a sign that his recovery is on track.
Despite the setback, Pant’s fighting spirit was on full display. The very next day, he arrived at the ground sporting a moonboot—a sight that had fans and teammates alike concerned. But Pant wasn’t about to let India down. He returned to the crease and added valuable runs, eventually finishing with a gritty 54. That resilience, even in the face of injury, has been a hallmark of his young career. As RevSportz reports, Pant “is set to join the Centre of Excellence next week, as per RevSportz, to continue his rehab and gear up for the upcoming West Indies Test series.”
After a brief recovery period in England, Pant returned to India to continue his rehabilitation. The latest updates suggest he’s making solid progress, with his foot no longer immobilized and his mobility restored. His next destination: the CoE in Bengaluru, where he’ll focus on regaining match fitness and sharpening his skills ahead of what promises to be a crucial Test comeback. The week starting September 15, 2025, marks the beginning of this all-important phase.
The stakes are high. India’s next World Test Championship assignment is a two-Test home series against the West Indies, with matches scheduled for October 2-6 in Ahmedabad and October 10-14 in Delhi. The selection for this series is expected in the last week of September, giving Pant just enough time to prove his readiness. “Pant is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket,” ESPNcricinfo notes, underscoring just how pivotal his presence is to the team’s balance and strategy.
But what if Pant isn’t ready in time? The selectors have contingency plans. During Pant’s absence in the latter part of the England series, Dhruv Jurel stepped up to keep wicket at Old Trafford and The Oval. N Jagadeesan was also flown in as backup, highlighting the depth of India’s wicketkeeping reserves. If Pant’s recovery hits a snag, Jurel and Jagadeesan are likely to be the frontrunners for the gloves in the upcoming West Indies series.
The Old Trafford Test, where Pant’s injury occurred, was a rollercoaster for Indian cricket. After Pant retired hurt, Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties for both of England’s innings. Pant, showing remarkable grit, returned to bat in the second innings, but ultimately wasn’t required as Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar—players usually below Pant in the batting order—each scored centuries. Their combined effort salvaged a draw, keeping the series alive with England leading 2-1.
The finale at The Oval saw India without their talismanic keeper-batter, but the team rallied. They clinched victory in the final Test, leveling the series 2-2. It was a testament to the squad’s resilience and depth, but there’s no denying that Pant’s absence left a void, both behind the stumps and in the middle order.
As the West Indies series approaches, all eyes are on Pant’s rehabilitation. The Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and expert staff, making it the ideal environment for elite players to regain top form after injury. Pant’s time there will be crucial, not just for his physical recovery but also for rebuilding confidence after a lengthy layoff.
India’s selectors, led by a keen understanding of both form and fitness, will be watching closely. The final squad announcement for the West Indies Tests is expected in the last week of September. If Pant can demonstrate full fitness and match readiness, he’s almost certain to reclaim his spot as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. If not, the door remains open for Jurel or Jagadeesan to make their mark.
For Pant, the road to recovery has been anything but straightforward. The initial injury, the uncertainty of scans, the frustration of being sidelined, and the challenge of regaining fitness—it’s a journey that would test any athlete. Yet, those who know Pant best aren’t surprised by his determination. As one coach put it during his England recovery phase, “He’s never one to back down from a challenge.”
The upcoming West Indies series is more than just another set of matches. It’s India’s next chapter in the World Test Championship, a tournament that’s grown in prestige and intensity with each cycle. With the home crowd behind them in Ahmedabad and Delhi, the team will be eager to start strong. Pant’s potential return adds another layer of excitement—and perhaps a touch of anxiety for the opposition.
Should Pant make the squad, Indian fans can expect the same brand of fearless, inventive cricket that has made him a fan favorite. His ability to change the course of a match with a single session—whether with the bat or the gloves—remains unmatched among his contemporaries. But as with all comebacks, nothing is guaranteed until the final XI is announced.
As the countdown to the West Indies Tests begins, the cricketing world will be watching Bengaluru, waiting for updates on Pant’s progress. Will he be ready to take the field and reclaim his place at the heart of Indian Test cricket? The next few weeks will tell the tale.
For now, the anticipation builds. Rishabh Pant’s comeback story is still being written, and Indian cricket fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
