Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the ongoing second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. On day three (November 8), Pant, who is captaining India A, was struck three times by pacer Tshepo Moreki.
The first blow came when Pant attempted a reverse sweep off a fast bowler in typical style, and the ball hit his head. The second delivery struck his elbow, and the third hit him in the abdomen. After the third impact, Pant appeared uncomfortable and soon left the field, with Dhruv Jurel coming in to bat for India. Pant was batting on 17 off 22 balls at that point.
The 28-year-old had earlier scored 24 off 20 balls in the first innings. In the first match of the series, Pant had led India A to a three-wicket win, playing a match-winning knock of 90 runs while chasing a 275-run target.
Pant has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa, starting November 14, and is also the vice-captain. The incident has therefore come as a major concern for fans awaiting further updates on his fitness.
This series marks Pant’s first competitive outing since suffering a right foot fracture during the England tour, caused by a toe-crushing delivery from Chris Woakes. Currently, India A are 151/5, with Harsh Dubey and Dhruv Jurel at the crease, leading by 185 runs.
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