IND vs SA: "After an injury, it’s never easy…"- Rishabh Pant shares emotional message ahead of India comeback

Rishabh Pant is set to play for India in the test series against South Africa.

Indian Cricket Team’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant is all set to make his comeback in the test series against South Africa Cricket Team. Ahead of the two-match series, Pant shared an emotional message with fans, elaborating on his experience of recovering from the foot injury.

Pant will return to the national team after a gap of two months, having last played in the test series against England in July. The wicket-keeper batter sustained a severe foot injury after being hit by Chris Woakes’ delivery in the fourth test in Manchester. The injury ruled him out of the fifth test, where Dhruv Jurel replaced him in the playing XI.

Pant was also unavailable for the test series against the West Indies last month as his rehabilitation took longer than expected. His absence saw Ravindra Jadeja taking up vice-captaincy in the series. However, the wicket-keeper returned to the cricket field during the unofficial test series between India A and South Africa A.

Slamming a 90-run knock to lead the team to victory by three wickets in the first game, he proved his match fitness to selectors and was picked for the South Africa tests. He also scored a half-century in the second game, which India A lost by five wickets.

Rishabh Pant shares emotional message with fans in a BCCI video

Speaking in a video titled “Forever Grateful ft. Rishabh Pant” shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on X (formerly Twitter), the 28-year-old shared a heartfelt message with his fans ahead of his comeback.

“After an injury, it’s never easy to come back, but God has been kind to me. Every time I walk onto the field, I look up and thank God, my parents, my family, and everyone who supported me. I focus on what I can control because luck is something you can’t,” he said.

“There are so many things that can affect you, but if your mind is in the right place, you’ll find happiness. When you’re injured, you just have to work hard, stay disciplined, and enjoy what you’re doing. That’s when you truly grow,” Pant added.

Meanwhile, following Pant’s comeback to the national team, N Jagadeesan lost his place in the squad for the test series against South Africa. In the first test at the Eden Gardens, both Pant and Jurel are expected to be part of the playing XI, with the latter being picked as a pure batter. The encounter will commence on November 14 (Friday).

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