Rishabh Pant Targets October Test Return vs West Indies
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1 of the fourth India-England Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 23. The blow sidelined Pant from the remainder of the series, ruling him out of the fifth Test at The Oval. His absence also forced selectors to exclude him from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, a major setback for India ahead of the eight-team tournament beginning September 9 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In Pant’s absence, the Indian selectors turned to Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, adding them as wicketkeeper options in the 15-member squad. While Samson brings international experience across formats, Jitesh’s fearless hitting in domestic and IPL cricket earned him a maiden call for the Asia Cup.
Pant remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the five-day format, but this untimely injury has delayed his participation in the continental event. The southpaw, however, has already started planning for his comeback.
Pant Aiming for West Indies Test Return in October
According to a report in Cricbuzz, “Pant is targeting India’s next home series against the West Indies in October for his comeback, and if that does not happen, the white-ball series against Australia in October-November seems a realistic possibility.”
India will host the West Indies for two Test matches. The opening game will be staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, followed by the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from October 10 to 14. These matches will be crucial not just for Pant’s return, but also for India’s preparations heading into a packed cricketing calendar.
Should Pant fail to recover in time for the Tests, he may realistically return for the Australia tour, which features three ODIs and five T20Is in October-November.
Pant’s White-Ball Chances and Past Records
Pant is not India’s automatic first-choice in ODIs and T20Is. He was part of India’s squad for the three-match series against England in February 2025 and also the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but he did not feature in any of the eight matches.
In T20Is, Pant last represented India against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on July 28, 2024. After that, he missed the series against Bangladesh, South Africa and England as selectors managed the workload of key Test players. His absence paved the way for the likes of Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma to stake claims in the limited-overs setup.
India’s Upcoming Assignments
Following the home Tests against the West Indies, India will tour Australia for a hectic white-ball series. The ODIs are scheduled in Perth (October 19), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25). The five T20Is will then take place in Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
For Pant, the immediate focus is on regaining full fitness and proving his readiness to the medical staff and selectors. His return would not only boost India’s Test side but also add depth to the limited-overs squad before the busy international season.
Stay tuned for all the latest Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Cricket updates, match highlights, player analysis, and viral moments!