The incident took place during the first session on Day 3, when Pant was struck three times \u2014 on his body and helmet \u2014 by South African pacer Tshepo Moreki. The repeated blows rendered the wicketkeeper-batter unable to continue his innings, leading to his retirement on 17 runs off 22 balls in the 34th over of India A\u2019s second innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pant came in to bat at No. 5 early on the third morning after overnight batter KL Rahul was dismissed for 27 \u2014 adding just a single run to his score \u2014 by a sharp inducer from Okuhle Cele. The wicketkeeper-batter started positively, smashing Cele for back-to-back boundaries and a six in his first three scoring shots. However, his fluent start was soon interrupted as a barrage of short-pitched deliveries began troubling him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite showing determination to continue, Pant was eventually escorted off the field by head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and the medical staff as a precaution. He was visibly uncomfortable, wincing in pain with every shot after being struck multiple times. His movement appeared restricted, particularly after the physio had taped his right elbow following one of the blows.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first hit came when he attempted a reverse pick-up shot off Tshepo Moreki, only to be struck on the helmet and fall to the ground. He underwent a mandatory concussion check but was cleared to carry on. Soon after, another rising delivery from Moreki struck him on the elbow, prompting treatment and bandaging. The final blow \u2014 a delivery that jagged back into his midsection \u2014 convinced the management to call him off for further assessment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite showing determination to continue, Pant was eventually escorted off the field by head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and the medical staff as a precaution. He was visibly uncomfortable, wincing in pain with every shot after being struck multiple times. His movement appeared restricted, particularly after the physio had taped his right elbow following one of the blows.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India currently sit third on the World Test Championship points table (61.90%), while reigning champions South Africa are fifth with 50%.<\/p>\r\n\r\n