Team India endured an anxious moment when Rishabh Pant suffered multiple body blows during the second unofficial Test against South Africa A. The India A captain was struck thrice by pacer Tshepo Moraki — on the helmet, elbow, and abdomen — before retiring hurt on 17 off 22 balls at the BCCI CoE Ground.
Concern in the Dressing Room
Tension spiked in the Indian dressing room when word of Pant’s injury reached The Gabba, where India was simultaneously playing Australia in the fifth T20I. Heavy rain and lightning interrupted the match, and coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in deep discussion with his support staff about Pant’s condition.
A Painful Sequence
Pant first attempted a reverse pull and was hit flush on the helmet. Moments later, another short delivery struck him on the elbow, followed by a painful blow to the abdomen. Despite receiving medical treatment after each hit, the physios and coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar decided to call him back as a precaution.
Relief for Fans and Management
The injury initially raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the senior team’s series, but Pant returned to bat on Day 3, easing fears in the camp. A team official confirmed earlier that the decision to retire him was precautionary and that his condition was being closely monitored.
Official Statement
“The team physios are observing him and will take a call on whether he can bat if the match situation demands it,” a team source told PTI. His eventual return to the crease reassured everyone that the injuries weren’t serious, marking a sigh of relief for Indian fans.
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