Injuries and Rishabh Pant seem to be a never-ending story. The wicket-keeper batter was expected to make his India comeback in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa at home. However, his latest injury during India A’s game against South Africa A has put further dents on the comeback trail.

India conducted their first training session for the South Africa series on Tuesday (November 11) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, venue for the first Test that starts on November 14. Pant was a notable absentee in the training session, as was fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Both players only reached the city 24 hours earlier and it could have been a precautionary measure, especially for Pant.

Pant suffered a series of blows while batting against fast bowler Tshepo Moreki who struck the southpaw on the helmet and elbow, forcing the batter to retire hurt. The helmet blow forced a concussion test but Pant was fine to continue at that point. The real point of misery came when one of his attempted reverse sweep shots backfired, copping a venomous blow on the elbow.

Known for his fighting skills, Pant battled on but a sharp rising delivery struck him near the ribs and this time, the pain was too much to take. The 28-year-old opted to retire hurt and took no further part in the game. The latest incident is a dampener for Pant who had suffered a serious toe injury during the Old Trafford Test in England few months back.

The toe injury also happened when his reverse sweep to a pinpoint yorker went wrong. That was a series where Pant also had a thumb injury to add to his woes. However, the designated vice-captain was on his way back to international cricket and is also currently part of India’s squad for the Tests against South Africa.

The injuries suffered against South Africa A might not be as damaging as the ones in England but the Indian camp is rightly cautious regarding Pant. A clearer picture over his availability for the Kolkata Test shall be known in the next 48 hours.