After a frustrating three-month injury layoff, Rishabh Pant made a roaring return to competitive cricket — and in true Pant fashion, it was loud, fearless, and full of intent.

Leading India A in a two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A, the Lucknow Super Giants skipper reminded everyone why he remains one of Indian cricket’s most electrifying talents.

The series opener at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru began with South Africa A piling up a solid 309, thanks to gritty knocks from Jordan Hermann (71), Zubayr Hamza (66) and Rubin Hermann (54). India’s bowlers, though slightly erratic early on, found their edge through Tanush Kotian, who impressed with a four-wicket haul.

India A’s first innings, however, failed to find stability. Apart from a composed 65 by Ayush Mhatre, the hosts struggled to counter Prenulan Subrayen’s spin as they folded for 234.

But that’s when Pant’s leadership truly began to shine. From behind the stumps, Spidey’s sharp reading of the game and constant chatter kept his bowlers fired up. The energy shift was visible as Kotian (4/26) and Anshul Kamboj (3/39) ran through the Proteas in their second innings, dismissing them for just 199.

Chasing 275 for victory, India A had a rocky start — their top order fell cheaply, leaving the match delicately poised.

Then came Pant, the captain and the comeback story rolled into one. Batting with characteristic swagger, he smashed a scintillating 90 off 113 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and four towering sixes. Just 10 runs shy of a century on return, Pant’s knock was a statement — of resilience, of class and of unfinished business. His innings turned the tide, leaving India A with only 103 runs needed to seal the match.

Apart from Pant’s brilliant fifty, LSG’s star all-rounder Ayush Badoni contributed with crucial 34 runs, while Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) and Manav Suthar (20 not out) remained unbeaten in the end to help India A register a three-wicket win and secure a 1-0 lead in the two-match unofficial Test series.

For Pant, this wasn’t just a comeback — it was a reminder to fans and critics alike that the roar of Indian cricket’s most flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter is far from fading. The Super Giant is back and he means business.

Image Courtesy: ESPNCricInfo