Big Boost for India as Star Keeper Recovers from Injury

India will be announcing its squad for the Test series against South Africa soon. For this, a major name is set to mark his comeback to the Indian team. Rishabh Pant, who got injured in the India tour of England, is set to comeback for International action.

India is preparing for its upcoming series against South Africa. For this, the major focus is on the Test side, as the series is set to start with two Tests from 14 November. The squad for this series has been announced, as one player will be making his much to the Test side.

And it is no one other than Rishabh Pant, who got injured in the series against England. After his injury, Pant was out of action and even missed a few months of the game. But he was able to mark his return to the international side from the A team in the Tests against South Africa A.

1. Rishabh Pant’s Injury

Rishabh Pant came in as one of the scariest batsmen for the Indian team in the Test series against England. He was able to smash the English bowlers everywhere around the ground putting them in trouble. But the series didn't end well for him, as Pant suffered an injury on his right foot.

During the fourth Test of the series, Rishabh Pant got struck with a yorker on his right toe. It was a great delivery by Chris Woakes, and Pant was tackled well. He was also taken back using a vehicle, and didn't keep the wickets for the Indian team in that game. Taking a look at the seriousness of his injury, he two months of action in the game.

Till October, Pant was a part of the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, healing from his injury. Amidst this, he also didn't play for the Indian team in the tests against the West Indies. Now, Pant will be making his international comeback for the Indian team in the Test format, with the Tests against South Africa.

2. India A Return

In order to be fully prepared for the Test series against the Proteas, Rishabh Pant had to ensure that he was doing well with the bat. For this, he was announced as the skipper of the Indian team in the two unofficial Tests against South Africa A.

He played the first Test and looked fine while keeping for the team. Even the stump mic caught him having some funny chats with the Indian players, as the fans got to know that OG Pant is back. In the first innings, Rishabh Pant was not able to score well for the team, as he got for just 17 runs off 20 balls.

As South Africa A batted once again to set a target for India A, Rishabh Pant took the command with the gloves. He was able to take three catches for the team, and it seems that he is as fit as before. Despite the injury in his right foot, Rishabh Pant had his comeback in style with the gloves.

But fans had waited for him to shine with bat, as they waited for it. And Rishabh Pant showcased his skills while chasing the target for the India A team. As India A stood at the score of 32/3, Rishabh Pant ended up scoring 90 runs off 113 balls, allowing India A to finish the game with a win.

Fans were also excited to know that Rishabh Pant is now back and India will be having a great time in the South Africa series. But question also looms on Dhruv Jurel, who served as the wicket-keeper in his absence. Still, Jurel was able to prove himself in the Test series against the West Indies.

3. Pant vs South Africa

In his entire Test career, Rishabh Pant has played just three Test matches for the Indian team against the South Africa. This came back in 2022, after which Pant did not play for the team in the series which took place in 2023/24. All of his three Tests came in South Africa, but now Pant will be taking the home ground advantage to turn the tables.

Rishabh Pant in South Africa:

• Innings: 6
• Not Out: 1
• Runs: 186
• Average: 37.20
• Strike Rate: 65.95
• 100s: 1
• 50s: 0

With Rishabh Pant making a Test comeback, fans are excited to see how he is able to perform for the Indian team. While his stats against South Africa may not be as good as expected, he has some great records when he is in India.