Rishabh Pant To Be Fit For England Test Series? Huge Update Out On Star's Comeback

Indian keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s absence has been felt by many, especially with how closely India lost a few close games. However, the wait is likely to end soon as the left-hander is just months away from making a comeback to competitive cricket. 

As per the reports in News 18, it is learned that Rishabh Pant is expected to be fit around the five-match Test series against England. However, BCCI is unlikely to force his comeback through the longest format of the game. 

The governing body is targeting IPL for his comeback and it will be no surprise if Rishabh Pant plays from the very first game in the tournament. The keeper-batter is nearing full fitness and has started running as well. The Delhi Capitals skipper has begun weight training as well and is recovering even faster than expected. 

A source close to News 18 revealed BCCI was concerned about how Rishabh Pant’s ankle and knee would react after injury but they are quite happy with how things are going. He added that they will be increasing the load on the body soon to make him ready for high-intensity training and match simulations. He elaborated: 

“Pant’s recovery has been on point, in fact better than expected. The concern was how the knee and ankle would react after the injury. Especially the knee after ligament tears and surgeries. Both ankle and knee engagement has been on point and that was a big positive considering they are going to bear a lot of load during wicketkeeping. The load on the body will be gradually increased now and running at 100% intensity is likely to begin from next week. 

“As I said, running – ground and on the treadmill – has begun but it’s not high intensity yet. Say 80-90% but not full intensity yet. There are sessions on the spin bike too but right now it’s more about getting the body ready for those pressure tests – high intensity training and match simulations. So lifting and muscle work has also begun to add strength. He has started compound exercises, the ones which work on multiple muscle groups at the same time, and a lot of attention is being paid to lower-body strength and conditioning.” 

IPL looks like a viable option for now – BCCI Source on Rishabh Pant’s comeback 

The source further talked about Rishabh Pant’s comeback and revealed that NCA will be using a shorter format to ease his comeback. He added that the medical team is following a similar pattern in his case as they did with Jasprit Bumrah. He explained: 

“Don’t be surprised if Pant becomes ready around the England Tests. But even if he does, the NCA is likely to use the shortest format to ease him back into action. Just like they did with Bumrah who first played T20Is vs Ireland before playing the 50-over format. The manner in which both NCA and BCCI handled Pandya and Bumrah, similar approach will be followed with Pant. The bigger picture and complete fitness of Pant is important. So IPL looks like a viable option for now.” 

Rishabh Pant suffered a horrible accident last year and since then has been out of the cricketing action. He has been putting in hard yards and is eyeing a comeback soon. His return will be a massive boost for the both Delhi Capitals and the Indian Cricket Team. There were recent reports which stated that he’s expected to play as a batter only in the tournament.