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New Delhi: Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket didn't quite go as per the plan as India A stumbled to 234 all out against South Africa A on the second day of their four-day clash in Bengaluru. The wicketkeeper-batter who returned to competitive action after three months managed just 17 runs in a 29-minute stay that showed flashes of aggression but ended in frustration.
India resumed play after bowling out the visitors for 309 in the morning but failed to build up on the early success. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen turned out to be the difference, taking 5 for 61 to put South Africa A firmly in control with a 75-run lead. Teenager Ayush Mhatre stood tall amid the collapse, scoring a fluent 65 off 76 balls.
By stums the visitors had stretched their lead to 105, reaching 20 without loss with Jordan Hermann (12*) and Lesego Senokwane (9*) looking solid at the crease.
India's innings began with promise as Sai Sudarshan and Mhatre stitched together a 90-run opening stand. But once Sudharsan fell for a gritty 38, edging Tshepo Moreki to the keeper after a series of nervy moments, things changed quickly for India with Devdutt Padikkal chipping Subrayen to midwicket followed by Rajat Patidar playing across the line to lose his stumps.
However, Mhatre impressed with his poise and timing. The Mumbai youngster's straight drive off Okuhle Cele and a crisp cover drive against Subrayen were standout moments. His half-century provided rare calm in an otherwise jittery Indian batting display. After the lunch, South African bowlers tightened the screws with Subrayen bowled unchanged for long spells using subtle turn and bounce to expose India's indecision.
Pant’s brief innings summed up India’s inconsistency. He began with intent, swinging hard at Moreki and later finding the boundary off Subrayen. A pull behind square and a loft over mid-on showed glimpses of the old flair but indecision proved costly. Unsure whether to play or leave, he ended up lobbing a simple catch to Zubayr Hamza at gully.
The rest of the batting offered little resistance. After Mhatre’s dismissal, wickets tumbled in clusters as Subrayen continued to apply pressure. Only Ayush Badoni managed to inject some momentum late on with a brisk 38 off 47 balls, helping India reduce the deficit below 100 before holing out in search of quick runs.
By the end of the day, Proteas A were well on top with 105 runs ahead with all ten wickets in hand. Subrayen's disciplined spell and India's lack of patience with the bat turned the day decisively in the visitors' favour.
Pant must have got the reminder that, after the layoff, his batting needs time and rhythm. For now, India A will hope for an inspired third-day fightback to prevent the match from slipping away further.
