Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has been recovering from a toe injury, might return to action later this month.

The southpaw sustained a fractured toe on his right foot on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. The injury not only ruled him out of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but also denied him participation in the Asia Cup, the two-Test series against West Indies at home, and the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.

According to a TOI report, Pant has expressed his desire to play for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, slated to get underway on October 15.

The BCCI’s medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) is yet to assess his recovery before giving him the clearance to feature in India’s premier first-class tournament.

“As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by Oct 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn’t want to take any chances with him," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has also conveyed his wish to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

“Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from October 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team," a top DDCA official told TOI.

“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has requested to wait for clearance from the CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from October 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team," the official added.

With India’s two-Test series against South Africa at home beginning on November 14, Pant may appear in a couple of Ranji matches until November 5, depending on his clearance from the CoE and readiness for the series.

(With TOI Inputs)