Follow UsAfter a quiet start in the first innings, Rishabh Pant roared back to form in the second essay as India A fought back strongly against South Africa A in the first Unofficial Test in Bengaluru on November 1 (Saturday).
The wicketkeeper-batter, returning from a fractured toe suffered during the Manchester Test against England in August, had missed the home series against West Indies, the Asia Cup, and the tour of Australia.
Eager to regain full match fitness ahead of the upcoming Test series in South Africa, Pant opted to feature in the ‘A’ series.
His first outing with the bat was ordinary - dismissed for 17 off 20 balls with two boundaries - as India A conceded a 75-run lead. However, off-spinner Tanush Kotian and pacer Anshul Kamboj turned the game around in the second innings, sharing seven wickets to bowl South Africa A out for 199.
Chasing 275 for victory, India A were in trouble at 32/3 on Day 3 after Sai Sudharsan (12), Ayush Mhatre (6), and Devdutt Padikkal (5) fell cheaply.
But Pant, walking in at No.5, changed the mood entirely. Batting with characteristic flair and intent, the left-hander counterattacked and stitched an 87-run partnership with Rajat Patidar (28 off 87).
Pant dominated the stand, racing to 64* off 81 balls with eight fours and two sixes by stumps. India A finished Day 3 at 119/4, still 156 runs away from victory with six wickets in hand.
It hasn’t taken long for Pant to find his touch again, and it's a great sign for India ahead of their two-Test series against South Africa starting November 14.