IND vs SA 1st Test: Rishabh Pant's comeback to international cricket ends after 27 runs, KL Rahul achieves milestone

Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (Pic: X/@BCCI)

Team India's swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant's return to international cricket ended on the score of 27 runs.

On Day 2 of the first Test match against South Africa, Pant scored 27 runs off 24 balls, which marked his return to international cricket after the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. His knock was also laced with two boundaries and the same number of maximums.

Earlier, the left-hander was out of action as he sustained an injury to his foot during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

On Day 2 of the series opener against the Proteas, KL Rahul also returned to the pavilion after showcasing discipline and resilience with the willow. Facing 119 deliveries, the right-hander garnered 39 runs, with the help of four boundaries and a maximum.

With this, Rahul also completed his 4000 runs in the longest format of the game.

Team India posted 138 runs for the loss of four wickets at the stroke of lunch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. So far, 45 overs have been bowled, and the hosts are trailing by 21 runs in their first innings of the match.

Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel are unbeaten at the crease on the scores of 11 and five runs, respectively. Facing 15 balls, Jadeja has smashed a boundary, and Jurel has faced just four balls and smashed one boundary.

Washington Sundar returned to the pavilion for 29 runs off 82 deliveries, including two boundaries and a maximum.

Skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt on four runs. He faced three balls and smashed a boundary. The right-hander faced some discomfort in his neck, which forced him to walk off the ground.

South Africa's Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, and Simon Harmer have claimed one wicket each. Bowling 11 overs, Jansen has conceded 23 runs, whereas Maharaj gave away 66 runs in 16 overs. Bosh has bowled six overs and given away six runs. Harmer, on the other hand, has completed seven overs and was smashed for 22 runs.

Wiaan Mulder, in his spell of five overs, gave away 15 runs. His hunt to claim the first wicket continues.

Brief Scores: SA 1st Innings 159. India 1st Innings 138/4 (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29, Rishabh Pant 27, Corbin Bosch 1/6, Keshav Maharaj 1/66, Simon Harmer 1/22).