With India set to host South Africa in a multi-format series at home, the India A side is currently taking on South Africa A in two unofficial four-day matches. While the two-match series currently stands
1-0 in favour of the hosts who won the first unofficial Test by three wickets, they lead the ongoing second unofficial Test by 332 runs at the time of writing.
While the Indian side prepares for the two-match red-ball games against South Africa, their vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant sustained a massive blows. The Indian wicketkeeper, who currently is currently leading India A side in the unofficial games, sustained body blows on Day 3 of the ongoing match, underway at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Rishabh Pant retires hurt after multiple blows; reports state “all well”
The incident occurred early on Day 3, as he failed to surpass the short-pitched deliveries. Although, Pant started confidently by hitting Okuhle Cele for two boundaries and a six earlier, but was seen struggling following the repeated body blows. While his first came while attempting a reverse pick up shot off Moreki, which struck him on the helmet. However, he was cleared to continue, he then was struck on the elbow and then was jagged into his midsection, leaving him in visible pain and eventually retired. Although, he was escorted off the field by head coach Hrishikesh Kantikar and medical staff, fans are eagerly awaiting an update with the South Africa Test series set to commence in just a few days time.
Meanwhile, a sports journalist from The Hindu, N. Sudarshan informed, “All seems to be well. Rishabh Pant, who went off following a hit in the abdomen area, is enjoying a game of football during tea break. But his left hand is strapped, struck by Moreki earlier in the inning.”
India’s Test squad for Test series against South Africa
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
