Rishabh Pant, captain of India A, retired hurt in the first session of the third day of the four-day clash against South Africa A at Bengaluru’s BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he returned to resume his innings in the last session of the day.

South African pacer Tshepo Moreki struck Pant multiple times in the morning session, causing the left-hander to retire hurt. Pant, who was on 17 runs from 22 balls, was struck on the helmet, left elbow, and abdomen in quick succession, leading to his withdrawal from the field for precautionary reasons.

“The team’s physios are monitoring his condition, and they will decide if he is fit to bat,” a team official informed PTI.

Pant wanted to carry on with his innings, but India A’s coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar urged him to return to the dressing room. The southpaw was later spotted with a strap around his left hand, while Dhruv Jurel replaced him in the middle.

He returned and scored 65 runs off 54 balls before his dismissal. Pant recently returned to action after a three-month absence due to fractured foot.

The first Test between India and South Africa is set to start at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22 through 26.