India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has opened up about the mental and physical challenges of his three-month injury rehabilitation, describing periods of frustration and demotivation while recovering from a foot injury sustained during the fourth Test against England in July 2025. In a candid video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday, Pant detailed his journey at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where he underwent structured physiotherapy and strength training. The 28-year-old missed the subsequent home Test series against the West Indies but has now returned to competitive action, captaining India A in an unofficial Test against South Africa A at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite a modest outing with the bat in his comeback match, Pant’s presence on the field signals a timely boost for India ahead of the senior team’s upcoming tour to South Africa in December.

Pant’s injury occurred on the opening day of the Manchester Test when he landed awkwardly while attempting a catch, resulting in a ligament tear and bone bruising in his left foot. Initial scans ruled out fractures, but the BCCI medical team prescribed a 12-week rehabilitation protocol to ensure full weight-bearing capacity and explosive movement—critical for his dynamic wicketkeeping and aggressive batting. “I started rehab slowly with physio work in the first 10-15 days, then gradually built strength,” Pant explained, crediting the COE’s world-class facilities for his recovery. The centre, equipped with 60 practice wickets, three full-sized grounds, and advanced biomechanics labs, allowed him to transition seamlessly from controlled rehab drills to high-volume net sessions, replicating match intensity.

The mental toll, however, proved equally demanding. “During injury, you get demotivated. Energy levels drop, and you feel frustrated,” Pant admitted, emphasising the importance of small positive habits—like music, light mobility exercises, or conversations with support staff—to maintain morale. He praised the COE’s physiotherapists and coaches for creating a “safe, protected” environment, where warmth and encouragement countered isolation. This psychological scaffolding, combined with daily micro-goals, helped Pant stay focused on volume-based practice rather than immediate results—a mindset shift that prevented burnout during repetitive rehab routines.

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The COE’s infrastructure played a pivotal role in Pant’s progression. Beyond medical supervision, he utilised centre-wicket practice to simulate game scenarios, gradually reintroducing footwork drills, dive simulations, and explosive batting strokes. “You have your own space here. It’s a BCCI facility designed to help players,” he said, describing the centre as both a rehabilitation hub and a high-performance training ground. Data from his sessions—tracked via force plates and motion capture—ensured load management, preventing re-injury while rebuilding proprioception lost during immobilisation.

Pant’s return aligns with India’s packed schedule, including a three-Test series in South Africa starting December 26, where his counter-attacking batting and agile glovework will be crucial on bouncy pitches. Though he managed only a few runs in the India A fixture, his leadership and wicketkeeping sharpness were evident, signalling readiness. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma have closely monitored his progress, with Pant expected to reclaim his spot in the Test squad for the Perth opener against Australia in late November if fitness benchmarks are met.

As Pant reflected, the rehab ordeal—while gruelling—has reinforced his resilience. “You come out of it with flying colours if you stay positive,” he said, a sentiment that resonates beyond cricket. With the COE emerging as a global benchmark for sports rehabilitation, Pant’s successful comeback underscores India’s investment in player welfare, ensuring stars return stronger—both physically and mentally—for the battles ahead.

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