Rishabh Pant Returns to Form: Sets the Stage for India’s Test Against South Africa

In anticipation of his much-awaited return to Test cricket, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showcased his skills at the nets on Wednesday. His lively batting display added excitement to the team’s training session at Eden Gardens, as they prepare for the first Test against South Africa starting on Friday.

Pant has been absent from action since July after a Chris Woakes delivery fractured his toe during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. He gradually returned to competitive cricket through the unofficial Tests for India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru.

In these matches, he impressed with a 90-run innings during a successful chase in the first ‘A’ Test and a 65 in the second, where he had earlier retired hurt on 17.

Additionally, South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, has expressed confidence about their upcoming challenge against India.

Back with the main Team India, Pant continued his impressive form, playing with freedom and fearlessness across multiple nets, and facing both pace and spin bowlers.

His session lasted nearly an hour, during which he took on Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, displaying his signature array of shots. From executing reverse ramps over slip and scoops over fine-leg, to one-handed lofts down the ground and pick-up flicks against pace, Pant was at his unconventional best.

He also engaged with the spinners, performing inside-out drives over extra cover and sweeps from outside off to midwicket, showcasing precise footwork and wrist control.

Pant began his training with about 15 minutes of wicketkeeping drills, standing close to the stumps to prepare for the low bounce and carry typical in subcontinental conditions.

The training session was comprehensive for Team India, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul starting the practice in alternating nets against both pace and spin. Dhruv Jurel, expected to play as a specialist batter, also joined in, having a lengthy batting session alongside Pant.

Published on Nov 12, 2025