Pant's Comeback Game Marred by Injury Scare
In a worrying turn of events for Indian cricket, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was forced to walk off the field retired hurt during the third day of the four-day fixture between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru. The incident, which saw the captain receive three painful blows in a short span of 20 minutes, has cast a shadow over his participation in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
A Tumultuous 20-Minute Ordeal
Pant, who walked into bat early on Day 3 after the dismissal of KL Rahul on November 8, 2025, started his innings in characteristic aggressive fashion. His first three scoring shots were a boundary heaved over mid-wicket, a casual flick for four, and a huge six that soared over the boundary rope.
The momentum, however, shifted dramatically moments later. A sharp bouncer from South Africa A bowler Tshepo Moreki hit Pant directly on the helmet when the batsman attempted an audacious reverse-ramp shot. The impact was severe enough to leave Pant off-balance and on the floor, prompting the team physio to rush out and conduct the mandatory concussion test.
The troubles were far from over. Soon after, another short delivery from Moreki, this time angling into his body, struck Pant on his left forearm as he went for a pull shot. The ball made flush contact with his elbow, causing visible and significant pain. Pant immediately removed his glove, a clear sign of his discomfort. Despite receiving medical attention and a 'magic spray,' his ordeal continued.
Minutes later, the third blow came when Pant, trying to defend, misjudged the line of a delivery and was hit squarely in the abdomen. This prompted the physio's third visit to the field within just 20 minutes.
Walking Off and The Implications
After a brief period of trying to continue his innings while visibly struggling with the pain in his forearm, a signal was sent to the dressing room. A new batsman was summoned, and Rishabh Pant walked off the field retired hurt. His departure was confirmed when, even after night watchman Kuldeep Yadav was dismissed, it was Harsh Dubey who walked out to bat next, not Pant.
This injury scare is particularly concerning given Pant's recent history. The wicketkeeper had previously suffered a fractured foot during the England tour. His inclusion in the Indian squad for the two-Test series against South Africa, which begins in Kolkata on November 14 With the first Test just a week away, the Indian team management and fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Pant's condition. His availability as the team's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman is now a major question mark, and the nation will be hoping the injuries sustained in Bengaluru are not serious.
