Pant's Painful Ordeal in Bengaluru
India A captain Rishabh Pant faced a challenging return to cricket, surviving an injury scare after being struck on the body three times by South Africa A pacer Tshepo Moreki. The incident occurred on day three of the second unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, raising concerns just before India's main squad departs for the South Africa series.
A Tough Battle at the Crease
Coming in to bat after KL Rahul's dismissal in the 27th over, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter showed initial promise with an aggressive approach. Pant smashed two boundaries and a six off Okuhle Cele, displaying his characteristic attacking intent. However, his innings took a dramatic turn when he faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from the tall South African quick.
The trouble began when Pant attempted an unorthodox reverse pick-up shot off Moreki. The delivery struck him directly on the helmet, sending the 28-year-old immediately to the ground. This triggered a mandatory concussion check, though medical staff cleared him to continue batting.
His resilience was tested again when another rising delivery from Moreki hit him on the right elbow. The final blow came when a delivery struck his midsection, leaving the Delhi cricketer grimacing in pain and ultimately deciding to walk back retired hurt.
Implications for South Africa Series
Team physios attended to Pant on all three occasions during his brief but eventful stay at the crease. He retired hurt while batting on 17 runs off 22 balls, cutting short what could have been a crucial innings for his comeback trail.
This development is particularly significant given Pant's recent return from a toe injury. The timing raises questions about his fitness ahead of India's upcoming tour of South Africa, where his explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills are considered vital assets for the national team.
The incident highlights the intense competitive nature of the A-team matches, where emerging talents like Moreki test established international players. While Pant showed courage in continuing to bat after each blow, the decision to retire hurt demonstrates the priority given to player safety in modern cricket.
