Picture Credit: Twitter
Team India have had a few major blows on their ongoing tour of England in last few weeks. After Shubman Gill had been ruled out of the upcoming 5-match Test series due to an internal injury, captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also weren't deemed fit for India's practice match against County Select XI. To add to the problems, pacer Avesh Khan suffered a fractured thumb during the 3-day match and has also been ruled out of the Tests against England.
Amid all this, the fans have also been wondering about the return of India's fearless and explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. The 23-year-old had notably tested positive for COVID-19 when the squad had assembled back in Durham last week. As a result, he was put under strict isolation as per the protocols.
Rishabh Pant returns from isolation
However, much to the excitement of all Indian fans, Rishabh Pant has tested negative for Coronavirus and has joined the team at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street where the 3-day game is going on. The wicketkeeper batsman was welcomed by flower garland and head coach Ravi Shastri looked extremely pleased to have his X-Factor back in the mix.
It was indeed a grand welcome for Pant as he posted his pictures on Twitter. While he gave a thumbs up acknowledging his return, he also clicked pics with head coach Ravi Shastri and all the other teammates who were enjoying the Day 3 action of the practice match.
The 23-year-old was also ecstatic after recovering from the virus as he expressed his delight through a hilarious caption, "हार के बाद ही जीत है और जितने वाले को कहते है बाज़ीगर.. Thrilled to be back. Thank you @RaviShastriOfc for this grand welcome."
Will Pant be available for the first Test?
With Wriddhiman Saha also forced to isolate after being deemed close contact, the fans were wondering if KL Rahul will have to take on the wicketkeeping responsibilities in the first Test against England. However, with Pant returning to the side with more than 10 days under his belt to regain his fitness, there is no doubt that the 23-year-old will be named in the playing XI that will take on against Joe Root's side at Trent Bridge from August 4 onwards.