Rishabh Pant is back! After a grueling foot fracture sidelined him, Pant made a sensational return to competitive cricket, leading India A as captain against South Africa A in Bengaluru. And boy, did he make it count, not just with the bat, but also with a dramatic vice-captaincy announcement for India’s main Test squad!
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant returned to competitive cricket, captaining India A after a foot fracture.
- He scored a match-winning 90 runs in the first unofficial Test for India A.
- Pant was named vice-captain for India’s Test squad against South Africa.
- He suffered an injury scare but returned to bat, scoring a half-century in the second unofficial Test.
- South Africa A broke a 44-day-old record, chasing 417 runs to win the second Test and level the series 1-1.
Pant’s Incredible Return: The Comeback Trail
Remember that scary foot fracture Rishabh Pant sustained back in July 2025 during the Manchester Test against England? It felt like forever, didn’t it? But he’s shown incredible resilience.
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Pant undertook a meticulous rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He wasn’t just recovering; he was pushing hard, getting himself ready for this moment. His hard work clearly paid off.
In early November 2025, Pant officially made his competitive return. He captained India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru, immediately making an impact. Yeah, he scored 17 in the first innings, but then he hammered a match-winning 90 runs in the second unofficial Test. That knock secured a three-wicket victory for India A.
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Pant himself confirmed he’s “fully recovered” and ready for the Test arena. You can’t ask for much more confidence than that, can you?
Match Turning Points: India A vs. SA A Drama
Just as everyone was buzzing about his India A performance, the BCCI announced Pant’s inclusion as vice-captain in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. This news broke between November 5th and 6th, 2025. It truly solidified his comeback story. But the drama wasn’t over.
During the second unofficial Test on November 8th, Pant suffered an injury scare. He retired hurt on Day 3 after taking multiple blows to his helmet, wrist, and abdomen. Everyone held their breath. Was his comeback already over?
But honestly, you just can’t keep him down. Pant made an incredible return to bat in the same match, impressively scoring a half-century. That eased all those fears about his fitness. What a fighter!
Then, on November 9th, South Africa A pulled off something truly historic. They chased down a record target of 417 runs to win the second unofficial Test, leveling the series 1-1. They even broke India A’s own 44-day-old record for the highest ‘A’ team run-chase in first-class cricket. Talk about a thrilling finish!
Expert Analysis: What This Means for India’s Tests
Look, Rishabh Pant’s return is massive for the Indian team. His form and fitness are absolutely crucial, especially as he steps into the vice-captain role for the main Test squad.
His match-winning 90, followed by that defiant half-century post-injury scare, shows he’s not just back, he’s back with a bang. This performance gives the selectors and team management a huge confidence boost ahead of the two-match series against South Africa, which kicks off on November 14th in Kolkata.
Social Media Storm: Fans React to Pant’s Saga
You can imagine the frenzy online! Cricket fans absolutely erupted with Pant’s comeback news. From relief at his recovery to sheer joy at his performance, social media was a whirlwind.
The injury scare had everyone worried sick. But his brave return to the crease to score a fifty? That just sent Twitter and Instagram into overdrive. Everyone was celebrating his unbelievable resilience. And then the buzz around South Africa A’s record chase just added to the whole exciting narrative. What a series!
So, what’s next for Rishabh Pant? With the India vs. South Africa Test series starting November 14th, all eyes will be on him. Can he carry this momentum into the national side and deliver another match-winning performance? What are your predictions for his performance in the upcoming Test series?