Team India suffered a major setback as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt during India A’s unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru. Pant, who was making a comeback after nearly three months, walked off the field on Day 3 after suffering two separate blows while batting, raising fresh concerns over his availability for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
The match, being played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, saw India A struggling at 108/4 when Pant arrived to stabilize the innings. However, his stay at the crease was cut short in unfortunate fashion.
Two Painful Blows in the Morning Session
Pant was first struck on his left hand by a sharp delivery from South Africa A pacer Shapo Moreki. Minutes later, another incoming delivery from the same bowler hit him in the groin area, leaving him in visible discomfort. Despite receiving medical attention twice, the pain only escalated, forcing Pant to leave the field retired hurt.
Dhruv Jurel came in as the replacement batter after Pant’s exit.
Comeback Interrupted Again
This series was extremely important for Pant, who was marking his return after suffering a fractured foot in July during the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. He spent months in rehab and was included in the India A squad to assess his match readiness ahead of the senior team’s Test series against South Africa starting 14 November.
Pant had shown excellent signs of recovery in the first unofficial Test, where he scored a fluent 90 off 113 balls, guiding India A to a three-wicket win. His performance had boosted hopes of a strong comeback.
But the fresh injury now puts a big question mark over his participation in the senior Test team.
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BCCI Awaits Medical Report
As of now, the BCCI medical team is awaiting Pant’s full injury assessment. Only after the complete medical report comes in will the selectors decide whether he will be available for the Kolkata and Guwahati Tests.
Pant was recently named in India’s senior Test squad, and his return was seen as a major boost. However, the latest setback has created uncertainty over whether he will be fit in time for the high-profile series.
If Pant is ruled out, it could force India to rethink their wicketkeeping options. Dhruv Jurel is already in the A setup, while KL Rahul and KS Bharat remain the alternative choices depending on fitness and form.
For now, both the team management and fans will be anxiously waiting for the official update on Pant’s condition — a player whose presence significantly strengthens India’s Test batting and wicketkeeping depth.
