India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a spirited return to competitive cricket on Thursday, ending a three-month injury layoff with a striking statement wearing Virat Kohli’s legendary No. 18 jersey. Leading India A against South Africa A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Pant’s comeback was as eye-catching as it was symbolic.

The Comeback After Setback

Pant’s return marks an important step in his recovery from a foot injury sustained during the fourth Test against England in July. The setback ruled him out of the Asia Cup and the Test series against the West Indies. After weeks of intense rehabilitation and training at the NCA, Pant’s inclusion in the India A squad is seen as a major step toward reclaiming his spot in the national Test team ahead of the South Africa series

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