Is Pant Close to Getting Fit for the South Africa Series?
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Synopsis
Ajit Agarkar, India's chief selector, has given an encouraging update on Rishabh Pant's recovery from injury. While he will miss the Test series against the West Indies, there's hope that he will be fit enough to return for the series against South Africa in November. Can Pant make a triumphant comeback?
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant is currently recovering from a foot injury.
- He is expected to be fit for the South Africa series in November.
- Ravindra Jadeja will serve as vice-captain in Pant's absence.
- The Test series against the West Indies is part of the ICC World Test Championship.
- India is currently placed third in the WTC table.
Dubai, Sep 25 (NationPress) Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of India, provided a recent update regarding Rishabh Pant, who will not participate in the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies due to a foot injury. He stated that the wicketkeeper-batter is nearing recovery, and there are hopes for his return in the South Africa series scheduled for November.
Pant, who served as India's vice-captain during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England earlier this year, sustained a fractured left foot in the fourth Test match held in Manchester. While announcing the Test squad for the West Indies series, Agarkar explained that Pant has not fully recovered and thus could not be included. Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed as the vice-captain for this series.
This marks Jadeja's debut as vice-captain in Test matches, although he has previously occupied the same role in ODIs and T20Is.
“Rishabh Pant is currently the vice-captain and a crucial player. Unfortunately, he hasn’t sufficiently recovered to participate in this Test series. Jaddu has been one of our standout performers, bringing a wealth of experience to the team, which is why he has been given this role,” Agarkar mentioned during a press conference.
Pant has been consistently undergoing rehabilitation and strength training for his right foot at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). A glimpse of his recovery process was shared when he posted an Instagram story showcasing his cycling session on Monday.
“We remain optimistic that by the time the South Africa series arrives, he will be completely fit. Although I can't provide a precise timeline for Pant’s injury, I can confirm he will not participate in these two Test matches against the West Indies, but he is very close to a full recovery,” Agarkar further added.
In Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan are the two designated wicketkeepers in the squad. Notably, Jurel, who is currently playing for India A in a multi-day series against Australia A in Lucknow, served as the stand-in keeper in England whenever Pant was unavailable and is anticipated to be the primary choice behind the stumps.
The forthcoming Test series between India and the West Indies is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India currently holds the third position on the WTC table following a drawn series in England, while the West Indies sit in sixth place after experiencing three consecutive losses.
The series opener is set to take place in Ahmedabad, followed by the second match in Delhi starting October 10.
Point of View
It’s essential to monitor Rishabh Pant's recovery closely. His role as vice-captain and a pivotal player cannot be overstated. The team's strategy must adapt to his absence, but there's cautious optimism for his return in November. Nation always supports the players and aims for transparency in updates regarding their health and performance.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Rishabh Pant return to play?
While Rishabh Pant is not expected to play in the upcoming series against the West Indies, there is hope he will be fit for the South Africa series in November.
Who will replace Rishabh Pant in the Test series?
In Rishabh Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan will serve as the wicketkeepers in the squad.
What caused Rishabh Pant's injury?
Rishabh Pant suffered a fractured left foot during the fourth Test in Manchester while playing in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Who is the vice-captain for the West Indies Test series?
Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed as the vice-captain for the Test series against the West Indies.
How is the Indian team performing in the World Test Championship?
India currently holds the third position in the WTC standings after a drawn series in England.
