Mohor Chaudhuri
Courage has a way of unveiling itself when the body screams no but the spirit whispers yes. On Day 3 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru, Rishabh Pant stood out as the personification of determination and resistance.
The left-hander initially had to retire hurt after enduring an onslaught of body blows from fast bowler Tshepo Moreki, three thunderous hits in all. The first, a rattling strike to the helmet when Pant attempted a reverse sweep, sent him tumbling to the ground. The physio rushed in soon after and the crowd gasped in fear. A mandatory concussion test took place but Pant, known for his fearless approach, rose, dusted himself off and got going again. Next, a vicious delivery struck his left elbow, requiring immediate use of pain relief spray and a bandage. However, it was the third that finally broke his resistance, the ball jagged back and crashed into his abdomen. Pant walked off reluctantly, wincing and holding his side, with an unbeaten 17 off 22.
In his absence, India’s second wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel, carried the innings forward with remarkable composure and poise, bringing up a brilliant half-century. Yet, the story of the day was still waiting for its most dramatic twist. When India lost their sixth wicket, the familiar figure of Rishabh Pant strode out once again, he had been keen to continue earlier but was taken off as a precaution. What followed was a perfect display of controlled aggression, pure instinct, and an indomitable will to not give up. He blazed to a 48-ball fifty, capped by a soaring six off Kyle Simmonds, moments after Jurel brought up his second successive century in the match. His knock of 65, coupled with Jurel’s ton, stitched a defiant 82-run partnership, and it is safe to say that with his intent, Pant transformed pain into poetry.
Pant’s eventual dismissal while attempting yet another fearless big shot brought an end to his innings, and India declared soon after, setting a daunting target of 417 for South Africa A to chase.
The innings was not just a fifty, but a statement of courage from a man who has spent months battling his way back from setbacks. Having recovered from a major foot injury sustained during the India vs England series at Old Trafford, Pant had already made his presence felt with a commanding 90 in the previous four-day match. Now, reappointed as Shubman Gill’s deputy for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, Rishabh Pant has reassured fans around the globe that he is back, lion-hearted and dauntless as ever.
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