India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant delivered a gutsy performance on Day 3 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A, returning to bat in the final session despite an early injury scare. Pant had retired hurt in the morning session after taking a blow on his left arm and another near the groin while facing pacer Tshepo Moreki, forcing two medical interventions before he was taken off the field and replaced by Dhruv Jurel.

Although Pant was eager to continue, India A head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar stepped in, deciding it was wiser for him to walk off and undergo treatment. The physio team monitored him closely through the afternoon, and after receiving clearance, Pant strode out again with his left arm heavily strapped.

WATCH – Rohit Sharma Makes Surprise Visit To Mumbai Nets During Ranji Clash vs HP

His return was nothing short of sensational. Battling visible discomfort, the southpaw crafted a fluent 65 off 54 balls, showcasing his trademark intent and fearless stroke play. This innings marked yet another strong chapter in his comeback story.

Pace hitting by Rishabh Pant back to 2018🫡 pic.twitter.com/hiilZlVsDh

— Ankur (@cricwithpant2) November 8, 2025

Rishabh Pant had already impressed in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A, where he smashed a commanding 90 off 113 balls, studded with 11 fours and four sixes. Behind the stumps, too, he looked sharp and agile, picking up four catches.

WATCH – Gautam Gambhir and Jasprit Bumrah Dig at Suryakumar Yadav After Another Toss Loss

Pant’s recent form is particularly encouragin,g considering he spent three months on the sidelines after suffering a toe fracture during the fourth Test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester. His resurgence has now earned him a place in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning November 14 in Kolkata.

India’s Test squad: 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