Rishabh Pant's much-waited return to Test cricket got off to a worrying start after the wicketkeeper-batsman retired hurt following multiple blows during the second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru on Saturday. India A skipper Pant was hit on the helmet, wrist, and midriff in a short span which forced him to walk-off the field in pain. The incident comes just days after Pant was named vice-captain and first-choice wicketkeeper in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting on November 14 in Kolkata. His latest injury scare has raised questions about his fitness ahead of the crucial assignment. Hit Multiple Times, Pant Leaves the Field in Pain Pant came into bat on the fall of an early wicket as India A resumed their second innings at 78 for 3. While going for an attacking stroke, he was first hit on the helmet and the medical staff did a concussion check on him. Soon, an inside-edged delivery hit his left wrist and deflected onto his thigh pad. Despite showing some visible pain and discomfort, Pant continued to bat but was clearly struggling and needed strapping on his wrist. A few overs later, another delivery struck him in the midriff, and he was visibly in discomfort. With India A in a strong position, but their captain struggling to continue, Pant decided to walk off. He retired hurt at 108 for 4, bringing Dhruv Jurel into the crease. There has, so far, been no official update from the BCCI on the extent of Pant’s injury. Watch the video here: Rishabh Pant retires hurt after taking three blows today. First on the helmet, second on the left-hand elbow, third on the abdomen. Tough day for the fighter. ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/kdTX8jdM8B — Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) November 8, 2025 Also Read | Is RCB Being Sold Because of Virat Kohli’s Imminent IPL Exit? Uncertain Test Results Pant had returned to competitive cricket earlier this year after recovering from a foot injury he sustained during the England Test series in July. He had missed out on the fifth Test and was replaced by Dhruv Jurel, who too has done well in the ongoing unofficial series. The team management will now closely monitor Pant's recovery before taking a final call on his availability for the upcoming Test series. With just over two weeks left to go for the first match of the series, his fitness remains a major cause of concern for India.