Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 13: India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant expressed his happiness at making a comeback to international cricket after being sidelined for nearly four months due to a right ankle injury. Pant has been named in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning Friday at the Eden Gardens.

Pant made his return to competitive cricket last month by leading the India A team in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A in Bengaluru. Before that, he completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and was declared fit for national selection.

“After an injury, it’s never easy to come back. But God has been kind to me, and I’m very happy to be back,” Pant said in a video shared by the BCCI. “Every time I take the field, I try to be grateful. That’s why I always thank God, my parents, and my family — everyone who supported me during recovery.”

Reflecting on his recovery phase, the 28-year-old spoke about maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on what he could control. “One thing I try to do is focus on controllables. Luck is not something you can manage, so I don’t dwell on it. Keeping your mind steady and focusing only on what matters helps you find happiness — especially when you’re injured,” he said.

Pant added that discipline, learning, and enjoying the process were key to overcoming challenges. “Be in a space where you feel comfortable, work hard, stay disciplined, and keep learning. Whatever you do, enjoy the moment and give your 100 percent — that’s where real happiness comes from.”

In the India A series, Pant scored 17, 90, 24, and 65 across four innings, showing solid form on his return. Earlier this year, he had injured his toe during the fourth Test in Manchester. Over seven innings on that tour, he amassed 479 runs, including two centuries and three fifties, underlining his importance in India’s batting lineup as he gears up for another major Test assignment.