Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to make his much-awaited return to the side when India take on South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Friday. The first Test marks Pant’s comeback to international cricket after a challenging four-month period due to injury. Pant had suffered a foot fracture during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July that ruled him out of subsequent matches and forced him to undergo an extensive rehabilitation process.

Pant recently made his return to competitive cricket through India A’s two unofficial tests against South Africa A in Bengaluru, where he showed promising form. Ahead of the first Test, Pant expressed gratitude for being able to wear the Indian jersey again.

"After an injury, it is never easy to come back. But God has been kind always, and he has blessed me always. This time also, very happy to be back. See, every time I take the field, one thing I always try to be is grateful that God has been kind. That's why I always look up and thank God, my parents, my family and everyone who has supported me," Pant said in a video posted by the BCCI.

"One thing I do is to focus on controllables; luck is one thing which you cannot control. So, I try not to think on that, as there are so many factors that we don't factor in."

Pant stressed focusing on the things that matter to you and keeping your mind in one place.

"But if you can keep your mind in a place where a lot of things are not affecting you, and you focus only on things which matter. You will find happiness if you keep on doing things which make you feel good, especially when you are injured," he said.

"Just being in a zone where you feel comfortable about something. Obviously, you're going to work hard, be disciplined, be in a zone where you are ready to learn but still enjoying that time, doing everything. Whatever you are doing, you need to enjoy that moment and give your hundred percent and find joy and happiness in that," Pant added.