After months of rehabilitation and recovery, Rishabh Pant’s much-awaited return to competitive cricket did not go as planned. Playing for India A in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A at Bengaluru on October 31, the wicketkeeper-batter struggled to make an impact in his comeback match.
Pant, who sustained an injury during the Manchester Test on India’s England tour in August, had missed key tournaments such as the home series against West Indies, the Asia Cup, and the tour of Australia. Eager to prove his match fitness ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, Pant joined the India A squad to gain valuable game time.
Rishabh Pant’s Performance on Return
In the first innings, Pant managed to score only 17 runs off 20 balls, hitting two boundaries before being dismissed by South African pacer Okuhle Cele, who had him caught by Zubayr Hamza. It was a short and subdued outing for the explosive left-hander, who will now look to make amends in the second innings.
The Indian batting lineup struggled collectively, with Ayush Mhatre standing out as the top scorer, contributing a composed 65 runs off 76 balls. India A were bowled out for 234, falling 75 runs short of South Africa A’s first-innings total of 309.
South Africa A Take Control in Bengaluru
By the end of Day 2, South Africa A had tightened their grip on the match. The visiting side led by 105 runs in the second innings, with all ten wickets intact. The hosts will need a strong fightback on Day 3 if they hope to turn the game around and help Pant’s comeback story take a positive turn.
Pant’s return, though underwhelming with the bat, marks an important step in his recovery journey. All eyes will be on the wicketkeeper-batter as he aims to regain full form and fitness before the senior team’s Test series against South Africa.
