Rishabh Pant announced his comeback in the most “Pant” way possible during the India A vs South Africa A, 1st Unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for his fearless stroke play, responded brilliantly to a cheeky on-air comment. Just as the commentator said, “No one can do lip service better than Rishabh Pant himself,” Pant danced down the track the very next ball and launched it straight down the ground for a massive six. It was a moment that perfectly summed up his fiery spirit and trademark aggression. Watch here: RISHABH PANT BACK IN GAME🔥Commentator: “No one can do lip service better than Rishabh Pant himself. "Next ball, he dances down the track and sends it straight down the ground for six.Pure Pant. Pure intent. pic.twitter.com/k5PtEPifCJ — RP17 Fanᵀᵉˡᵘᵍᵘ 🇮🇳 (@TeluguRP17Fan) November 1, 2025 Rishabh Pant’s Comeback Fifty Lights Up India A’s Chase Against South Africa A A few hundred fans lined the boundary wall of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, peering through barbed-wire fences for a glimpse of Rishabh Pant in action. Although spectator entry was barred, that didn’t stop them from spending hours outside the ground. Their patience was rewarded as Pant played a fluent and unbeaten half-century, signaling his strong return to competitive cricket on Sunday. Also Read | Watch Alyssa Healy drops easy catch, gives life to Jemimah Rodrigues Pant’s 87-run partnership with Rajat Patidar helped India A recover after early struggles while chasing 275 in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A. The duo steadied the innings before Tiaan van Vuuren dismissed Patidar for 42, leaving India A at 119 for 4 by stumps. South Africa A were visibly frustrated as Pant took treatment for cramps, which consumed a few minutes from the clock. Ayush Badoni then survived a tense final over to ensure no further damage. Pant began aggressively with back-to-back boundaries but soon switched gears, showing patience and discipline. He resisted attacking Prenelan Subrayen, who had taken five wickets in the first innings, before breaking free with a stunning inside-out six over extra cover. Once set, Pant unleashed his trademark big hits, including a powerful boundary to reach his fifty off 65 balls. A dropped catch at fine leg on 46 proved costly for South Africa A as Pant made full use of the reprieve. Earlier, India A’s top order faltered as Ayush Mhatre, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply. In South Africa A’s second innings, Anshul Kamboj and Tanush Kotian shared seven wickets to bowl them out for 199. Kotian, who had taken four wickets in the first innings, ended with a match haul of 8 for 109, keeping India A well in the contest.