Rishabh Pant Returns with Fiery Half-Century After Injury Scare Against South Africa A

Bengaluru | India A captain Rishabh Pant eased all injury concerns with an aggressive half-century after temporarily retiring hurt on the third day of the four-day match against South Africa A in Bengaluru. The wicketkeeper-batter had earlier walked off after taking multiple blows from pacer Tshepo Moraki but later returned to deliver a powerful performance.

Pant had initially retired on 17 from 22 balls when he was struck three times by Moraki near the end of the morning session at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground. His left hand was seen strapped as Dhruv Jurel replaced him in the middle.

Pant’s Comeback Energizes India A Innings

Despite the earlier setback Pant rejoined the innings after Harsh Dubey’s dismissal and played a blistering knock of 65 from 54 deliveries smashing five boundaries and four sixes. His fluent stroke play underlined his readiness for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa starting November 14.

Jurel meanwhile produced a brilliant unbeaten 127 from 170 balls including fifteen fours and one six. The partnership between Pant and Jurel added 82 runs from just 54 balls boosting India A’s momentum.

Spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey also impressed with a composed 84 from 116 balls featuring twelve fours and one six. Together Dubey and Jurel stitched a vital 184-run stand for the seventh wicket that pushed India A into a commanding position.

India A Declares with Strong Lead

India A declared their second innings at 382 for seven in 89.2 overs after Pant’s dismissal setting a target of 417 for South Africa A. The visitors ended the day on 25 without loss with Jordan Hermann on 15 and Lesego Senokwane on 9 ensuring no early damage before stumps.

Team’s Confidence in Pant’s Recovery

Earlier a team official confirmed that Pant would bat again if the situation required it mentioning that the physios were closely monitoring his condition. Pant had endured three painful blows from Moraki—one on the helmet during a reverse pull another on the elbow while attempting a pull shot and a third on the abdomen. After receiving medical attention each time he was eventually asked by coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar to retire temporarily despite his willingness to continue.