NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant opened up about the difficult phase he went through during his recovery from a foot injury sustained in England, describing his rehabilitation as one of the most challenging and frustrating periods of his career.

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pant reflected on the emotional toll of the rehab process, admitting that staying motivated was tough but his determination and focus kept him going.

Pant picked up the injury during the fourth Test against England in July and has since been undergoing recovery at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Having missed the home Test series against the West Indies during his three-month rehabilitation, the 27-year-old is now back in action, captaining India A in the ongoing series against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

"I started my rehab slowly, slowly, went through a little bit of, you know, physio work in the initial 10-15 days, slowly, slowly getting back to doing my strength, a little bit of rehab. And it all started from there as a second phase for me, and right now I'm here with you, fully recovered. Thanks to COE for that," Pant said in the video.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the rehabilitation process.

"Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, you tend to get demotivated. The energy levels are not great, you are frustrated, you know. But if you can do small, small things that make you feel good, you have to do that part also, especially when you are injured.

"When you're going through an injury time, you're doing your rehab, you tend to get frustrated most of the time. But at the same time, you know, people around you, if they can make you feel safer, make you feel protected, make you show that love and care. And that's what I got from all the physios, even coaches, you know, when you talk to them, you can feel that warmth that yes, you're going through a tough time, you're doing that rehab, but you can still come out of it with a flying colour," he added.

"For me, it was more about getting the volume done and the practice."

Pant also highlighted the world-class facilities at the Centre of Excellence (COE), crediting them for helping him regain match fitness.

"And as I said before, COE, you'll find one of the best practice facilities also, it's not just a rehab place. You come here for practice also, you have three big rounds, you have like 60 wickets for practice, you get centre wicket practice. If a person wants to practice here, I think this is one of the best places. You can have your own space, you can come here to practice. And that's what I did because, you know, this is your own safe place where you feel very safe coming here.

"You practice here, you feel hope because it's a part of BCCI at the same time, COE is here to help players and everyone around. And that's the kind of feeling I got from my side, and that's why I was here and really enjoyed my time here," said Pant in the video.