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India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stamped his authority with a 90-run knock against South Africa A in the first unofficial Test at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru. In the run chase of 265, Pant scored 90 runs from 113 balls after the top-order failed to get the hosts off to a good start.
On Day 3 of the clash, Pant reached his half-century. Earlier, India were struggling for 32/3, with Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Mhatre and Devdutt Padikkal back in the hut.
Pant shared a 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ayush Badoni. In the first session on Day 4, the southpaw lost his wicket to Tiaan van Vuuren. He faced 113 deliveries to score 90 fours. His innings was laced with 11 fours and four sixes.
After Pant’s dismissal, India A lose 2 more wickets
India A were 172/5 when Pant departed. Soon after Pant's wicket, Badoni lost his wicket to Van Vuuren as well. He scored 34 runs from 47 balls, featuring four fours. Tanush Kotian got off to a good start but he fell for a 30-ball 23 to Lutho Sipamla.
With 216/7 after 61 overs, India A went into lunch break. Manav Suthar and Anshul Kamboj were in the middle. India A needed 59 runs after the end of first session.
Pant on his rehab after injury-free
Pant got injured during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. After a fractured toe in Manchester Test, he was ruled out of action. His rehabilitation got off to a slow start, ruling him out of the two-Test series at home against West Indies.
"I started my rehab slowly, slowly, went through a little bit of, you know, physio work in the initial 10-15 days, slowly, slowly getting back to doing my strength, a little bit of rehab. And it all started from there as a second phase for me, and right now I'm here with you, fully recovered. Thanks to COE for that," Pant said in the video shared by BCCI.
"Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, you tend to get demotivated. The energy levels are not great, you are frustrated, you know. But if you can do small, small things that make you feel good, you have to do that part also, especially when you are injured.
"When you're going through an injury time, you're doing your rehab, you tend to get frustrated most of the time. But at the same time, you know, people around you, if they can make you feel safer, make you feel protected, make you show that love and care. And that's what I got from all the physios, even coaches, you know, when you talk to them, you can feel that warmth that yes, you're going through a tough time, you're doing that rehab, but you can still come out of it with a flying colour," he added.
Pant will be back in the Test squad for the two-Test series at home against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
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