India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant on Tuesday expressed optimism about an early return to competitive cricket, saying his recovery from injury is progressing well and he is not far away from returning to the field.
Pant has been on the sidelines since January 10 after he tore his right internal oblique muscle during practice in Vadodara when he was hit above the waist by a ball from the throwing specialist.
Pant was speaking on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League where he was present as co-owner of the Mumbai Pickle Power. The 28-year-old said he has been working consistently at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation.
“My fitness is improving day by day. I am working hard at the Center of Excellence and I think I will be on the field soon,” said Pant.
Emphasizing the importance of staying mentally connected to the game during long periods of recovery, Pant emphasized that his love for cricket and the support around him helped him through the difficult phases.
“When I’m injured, the one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love of the game and the support from the people around you,” he said.
The left-hander also spoke about the need to constantly improve as a professional cricketer, saying that time off the field offers room for reflection and growth.
“As a cricketer you have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to improve in every aspect of my overall game,” he said.
Reflecting on the comebacks he has made throughout his career, Pant said his time away from the game has shaped his outlook on cricket and life, although being away from top-level competition remains the hardest part.
“Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you and the desire to be committed to something that really makes you happy,” Pant said.
“When I’m injured, what I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it when you play it at the highest level. That’s something I really miss,” he added.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 4, 2026
