Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 8: Team India faced a brief injury scare ahead of their upcoming Test series against South Africa as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt during India A’s match against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The incident occurred during the first session on Day 3 when South African pacer Tshepo Moreki struck Pant three times — on his helmet, elbow, and midsection — in a fiery spell. Despite initially trying to carry on, the 27-year-old was visibly in pain and eventually left the field on 17 runs off 22 balls.
Pant had walked in at No. 5 early in the morning after KL Rahul fell for 27, and began aggressively, smashing Okuhle Cele for consecutive boundaries and a six. However, Moreki’s sustained short-pitched attack unsettled him. The first blow came off a mistimed reverse pick-up, which hit his helmet and floored him momentarily. After clearing a concussion check, Pant continued but was soon struck on the elbow and later on the body, prompting the medical staff and head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar to escort him off as a precaution.
The physio had earlier taped his right elbow, but Pant’s discomfort grew with each delivery. The decision to retire him hurt was described as “precautionary” by team sources, with further assessment expected before the opening Test.
Pant had been in fine touch before the incident, scoring a fluent 90 in the previous four-day match and showcasing full recovery from a fractured toe that had sidelined him since July. His stint with India A was seen as vital preparation for the two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14 in Kolkata and followed by the second Test in Guwahati — the city’s first-ever Test match.
India currently sit third on the World Test Championship standings with a 61.90% points tally, while South Africa are fifth at 50%. The Indian management will be hoping Pant’s injury is minor, as his return to form and fitness is considered crucial ahead of the high-stakes series.