Bengaluru: Team India management is facing fresh concerns as Rishabh Pant, India-A captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, was forced to retire hurt during the second unofficial Test against South Africa-A in Bengaluru. On the third day of the match, Pant sustained three separate injuries from three different deliveries while batting, prompting him to leave the field in pain.
Pant had recently returned to the cricket pitch after recovering from a fractured leg sustained during the England Test series. He is part of India’s squad for the upcoming senior Test series against South Africa starting 14th November. His unexpected retirement, however, has raised concern for captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, currently in Australia.
Three Hits in Quick Succession
In the second innings, Pant displayed his usual attacking style. He hit a six over square leg and two fours in just 22 balls for 17 runs. However, South African pacer Tshepo Moreki bowled a bouncer that beat Pant and struck near his helmet, close to the jaw, causing him to fall.
Pant returned to continue batting but was hit again on his left elbow while attempting a pull shot. Shortly after, another delivery struck him in the abdomen despite his defensive attempt, forcing him to retire hurt. The team physiotherapist attended to Pant, who reported pain in his hand and stomach, leading to the precautionary decision to leave the field.
No Risk Taken Ahead of Senior Test Series
Pant had impressively led India-A in the first unofficial Test and returned fully fit. Given his recent injury history, the team management and Pant himself did not want to risk aggravating any injury ahead of the South Africa senior Test series.
Previous Injury During England Tour
During the fourth Test against England, Pant had suffered a severe leg fracture, requiring surgery and a plaster cast. Despite this, he displayed remarkable courage by returning to bat and scoring a fifty, earning praise across the cricketing world. Pant has since undergone rehabilitation and had only recently returned to competitive cricket before the latest incident against South Africa-A.
India fans and cricket analysts will now closely monitor Pant’s fitness, as his availability will be crucial for the upcoming high-stakes Test series against South Africa.
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