Watch: On Red-ball Comeback, Rishabh Pant Opens Account With a Four Before Shubman Gill Stunner Ends His Short-lived Stay

Rishabh Pant made his eagerly awaited return to red-ball cricket as he represented India B in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 match against India A at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The Indian wicketkeeper batter who suffered horrific injuries during a road accident that took place in December 2022, made his recovery and return to international cricket, playing a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup 2020-winning campaign.

However, Test cricket where he made a name for himself as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters was the final format where he had to make a return. Pant on his first ball managed to smack a juicy full-toss by his former Delhi Capitals teammate Avesh Khan for a boundary towards the cover region to make a massive statement.

India B were in a spot of bother as they lost three wickets fairly cheaply which included the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sarfaraz Khan. However, Pant who has taken the Indian team from a position of struggle to the top time and again, was unable to recreate his magic.

Pant’s innings were shortlived as he was dismissed for a mere 10-ball seven thanks to a mistimed shot off a length delivery bowled by Akash Deep. Pant’s shot did not get the proper connection resulting in the ball going high in the air and being caught by the man at the mid-off position.

Injury Concern for Shubman Gill?

It was none other than Shubman Gill who took the catch to get rid of Pant at the mid-off position. Gill at the time was seen running back to get himself in the right position but tumbled down as he took the catch but immediately threw it away after. The Indian batter was seen wincing in pain as he took the catch which raised concerns about a possible injury.

Several Indian players have missed out on the Duleep Trophy 2024 opener due to various kinds of injuries. The Indian T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav was a big miss for India C after sustaining a bruise to his hand during Mumbai’s campaign at the Buchi Babu Tournament earlier. Ishan Kishan was also another star who missed the opening clash for India D due to a groin injury sustained in the same tournament.