Bruised Rishabh Pant walks off after multiple blows vs South Africa A, Test comeback faces uncertainty

Rishabh Pant’s journey back to the field took a troubling turn on Saturday when the India A captain had to retire hurt after sustaining a couple of hits to his helmet and left wrist during the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru. This incident raises concerns about his fitness just days after Pant was appointed vice-captain of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, with the first Test set to commence in Kolkata on November 14.

Starting their second innings at 78 for 3, India A lost an early wicket before Pant stepped in to stabilize the lead. During his time at the crease, he faced multiple blows from the South Africa A bowlers.

Pant was struck on the helmet while attempting an aggressive shot earlier in his innings, which led to an initial assessment by the medical team. Shortly after, while defending a delivery, he inside-edged the ball onto his left wrist, causing it to deflect into his thigh pad. The physio attended to him again, applying strapping to his wrist as Pant continued to bat despite showing signs of discomfort.