After months away from competitive cricket, Rishabh Pant’s highly anticipated return to the field has not gone as planned. Leading India A against South Africa A in the first unofficial Test, the star wicketkeeper-batter managed only 17 runs in his first innings – a disappointing start for a player hoping to make a strong statement ahead of the upcoming India vs South Africa Test series.
A Tough Start to a Long-Awaited Comeback
Pant’s return has been one of the most talked-about stories in Indian cricket this year. Having battled through injuries and rehabilitation following his horrific car accident, fans and selectors alike were eager to see him back in rhythm.
However, after keeping wickets for 91 overs, a significant workload in itself – Pant’s time with the bat was brief. Walking in at number five, he showed glimpses of his trademark stroke play, striking two crisp boundaries, but his innings ended prematurely when he edged one to slip, scoring just 17 runs.
It was a reminder that returning to top-level cricket isn’t just about fitness – it’s about rediscovering rhythm, timing, and confidence under pressure.
India A Under Pressure Despite Mhatre’s Fifty
Earlier, South Africa A had posted 309 runs in their first innings, courtesy of steady fifties from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, and Rubin Hermann. For India A, Tanush Kotian impressed with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul, but the batters failed to capitalize on a solid start.
Ayush Mhatre led the way with a composed fifty as India A built a 90-run opening stand, but the middle order couldn’t maintain the momentum. Sai Sudharsan made 32 before throwing his wicket away, and Devdutt Padikkal managed just 6.
When Pant and Rajat Patidar – two of India’s most promising red-ball prospects – fell cheaply, India A slipped to 159 for five, losing control of the innings. Patidar, who has been in fine form recently, could score only 19 runs before Prenelan Subrayen outfoxed him with a superb delivery.
Questions Ahead of South Africa Test Series
Pant’s performance, while understandable given his long layoff, will certainly raise questions ahead of the India vs South Africa Test series. His glovework looked sharp, but his batting still appears rusty and with the likes of KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel in the mix, competition for the wicketkeeper slot in the Test team is fierce.
However, this is just the beginning of his comeback journey. Pant’s ability to change games with his fearless stroke play and aggressive mindset is well-known, and he’ll likely need a few more innings to regain his trademark fluency.
The Road Ahead
The bigger picture remains positive – Pant is back, fit, and leading on the field. That in itself is a victory for Indian cricket. His early dismissal against South Africa A may have been a setback, but it also serves as valuable match practice before the high-stakes tour.
As head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors monitor his progress, fans will hope to see Pant find form quickly and reclaim his place in India’s Test XI. For now, patience is key both for Pant and for those eager to see him dominate again.
