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Rishabh Pant roars ahead of South Africa series with fiery 64 not out to squash injury concerns

Aakash Saini

Rishabh Pant in action against South Africa A [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @CricCrazyJohns/x]Rishabh Pant in action against South Africa A [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @CricCrazyJohns/x]

Rishabh Pant has confirmed his arrival to the big stage after recovering from the nasty foot injury he sustained in England. After spending two months away from the field, the senior wicketkeeper-batter endured a scratchy return, scoring just 17 for India A against South Africa A bowlers in their four-day unofficial Test in Bengaluru.

However, Rishabh Pant has now fired a cracking half-century in the decisive innings of the same match to keep India A in the hunt amid their daunting chase of 275 runs.

Rishabh Pant leads India A from the front to signal his return

Chasing 275 runs for a win, India A captain Rishabh Pant punched out 64* quick runs from just 81 balls at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1. Batting at number five, the cricketer arrived to the crease at a precarious 32-3 in just 12.3 overs.

India A openers Sai Sudharsan, teenage sensation Ayush Mhatre and number three Devdutt Padikkal all crumbled early in the innings to South Africa A bowlers Tshepo Moreki (2-12) and Okuhle Cele (1-40).

Counterattacking South Africa A bowlers, Rishabh Pant responded back with eight cracking boundaries and two huge sixes to lift India A from 32-3 to 119-4 in 39 overs by stumps on Day 3. His innings set up an exciting final day for both sides, with India A requiring another 156 runs to pull off a stunning run-chase.

Rishabh Pant gears up for India comeback

Rishabh Pant last played for Team India back in July this year during a five-match Test series in England. However, a foot injury in Manchester ruled him out of India’s subsequent home series against West Indies, as well as from the entire white-ball tour of Australia.

Rishabh Pant’s latest innings against South Africa A will likely put him in good stead ahead of India’s all-format series against the senior Proteas team.