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| Image Source: India Today |
The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, known for his fearless stroke play and electric presence behind the stumps, has been named in the India Test squad, signaling a triumphant end to his injury layoff and a powerful boost for the national side.
The most critical question on every fan's mind—"When will Rishabh Pant return to cricket?"—now has a definitive answer: His comeback match is scheduled for November 14, 2025, in Kolkata, marking the start of the two-match home Test series against South Africa. This moment will not just be a squad inclusion; it will be a return to the very heart of the Indian Test setup as he resumes his role as Vice-Captain and first-choice wicketkeeper.
The Confirmed International Comeback: India vs. South Africa Test Series
The announcement of the squad for the India vs. South Africa Test series immediately became front-page news, largely because it featured Rishabh Pant’s name for the first time since his injury. This two-match series is a crucial part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle, and Pant’s inclusion underscores his importance to the team’s red-ball ambitions.
The schedule for his return to the Indian team is set:
- First Test: November 14 – November 18, 2025, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- Second Test: November 22 – November 26, 2025, in Guwahati.
Pant returns as the team's premier wicketkeeping option, providing the middle order with the aggressive left-handed stability it often lacked in his absence. Furthermore, his appointment as Vice-Captain alongside new Test skipper Shubman Gill speaks volumes about the team management’s faith in his leadership qualities and ability to influence the game's outcome. For Pant, returning in a high-stakes home series against a formidable opponent like the Proteas is the perfect stage to reaffirm his status as one of the world's best Test match players.
The Road to Recovery: Injury Details and Rehabilitation Journey
The narrative of Pant’s comeback is deeply rooted in his resilience following the injury he sustained. The incident occurred during the fourth Test match against England in Manchester in July 2025, where a delivery struck his foot, resulting in a foot fracture. The injury required him to miss subsequent international assignments, including the Asia Cup and the home Test series against the West Indies.
What followed was a meticulous, multi-month rehabilitation process at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. This period was characterized by grueling strength and conditioning work, intense fitness drills, and targeted batting and keeping practice, all overseen by the National Cricket Academy coaches. Fans keenly followed every Rishabh Pant injury update, with glimpses of him training and practicing behind the stumps often going viral, showcasing his dedication to regaining peak physical condition. The successful completion of this rigorous regime was the precursor to his selection, ensuring he was not merely fit, but truly match-hardened.
Proving Match Readiness: The India A Audition
The ultimate test for his fitness and red-ball rhythm came in the form of the unofficial four-day game between India A and South Africa A at the BCCI CoE. Pant, taking on the role of captain for the India A side, used this opportunity to showcase his readiness for the international arena.
His performance was compelling. While behind the stumps, the chirpy, influential Rishabh Pant returns to his signature style, engaging the bowlers and keeping the energy levels high. More importantly, his batting delivered the necessary assurance to the selectors. In a high-pressure fourth-innings chase of 275, Pant played a commanding role, smashing a crucial 90-run knock. This innings was the final, definitive validation that he had shed the rust and was ready to translate his hard-won fitness into performance, cementing his Rishabh Pant return to international cricket date.
A New Era and the Jersey Number Buzz
Pant's return coincides with a significant transition in the Indian Test team, with Shubman Gill taking over the captaincy. The combination of the two young stars at the helm, with Pant as the Vice-Captain, signifies the beginning of a new, aggressive era in Indian Test cricket.
Amidst his comeback, there was a minor but widely discussed detail that captured the attention of fans: his jersey number. While his official international jersey number is 17, Pant was spotted wearing the iconic No. 18—formerly associated with Virat Kohli—during his practice matches for India A. This sparked immediate debate and chatter across social media, leading some to wonder if he was formally taking over the number. However, BCCI officials later clarified that jersey numbers are not strictly assigned for India A games, confirming that when Pant takes the field on November 14 for the senior team, he will proudly don his customary Rishabh Pant jersey number 17.
In conclusion, Rishabh Pant's return to the Indian squad for the South Africa Tests is more than just a personnel change; it's a massive psychological boost for the team and a testament to the player's unwavering spirit. From the debilitating foot fracture to his match-winning 90 for India A, Pant’s journey has been a masterclass in determination. Fans can now mark their calendars for November 14, eagerly awaiting the moment the 28-year-old takes his place behind the stumps, ready to fire the Indian team toward success in the crucial WTC cycle. His return adds invaluable dynamism, experience, and firepower to the Test line-up, making India a significantly more formidable side.
