Rishabh Pant to Lead India A Against South Africa A in Comeback Series

Rishabh Pant to Lead India A Against South Africa A in Comeback Series

Rishabh Pant is set to return to competitive cricket after a three-month injury layoff, with the wicketkeeper-batter named captain of the India A side for two upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A in Bengaluru. The matches, scheduled from October 30 to November 2 and November 6 to 9, will serve as a crucial platform for Pant to prove his fitness ahead of the India-South Africa Test series starting mid-November.

Pant has cleared the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) ‘Return to Play’ protocols following a fractured foot he sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July. He has since undergone two phases of rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

Due to his selection for India A, Pant will miss Delhi’s Ranji Trophy second-round fixture starting October 25.

India A Squad Dynamics

Pant will lead a youthful but promising India A squad in both matches, with B Sai Sudharsan named vice-captain. The first match features a largely domestic lineup, including Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar, while seasoned internationals like KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will join for the second fixture.

The squad composition reflects the selectors' intent to provide continuity for state sides in the Ranji Trophy, while also preparing a pool of players for the senior Test team. Players like Patidar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are only part of one match each to allow them to represent their state teams.

Domestic performers such as N Jagadeesan, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, and Harsh Dubey have been rewarded for their form and are part of the squad, reflecting a blend of youth and experience.

Test Comeback in Sight

Pant’s performances in the two unofficial Tests will be closely monitored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel. If he demonstrates full match fitness and form, he is expected to make his international return in the first Test against South Africa starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Fixtures

  • 1st Four-Day Match: Oct 30 – Nov 2, Bengaluru

  • 2nd Four-Day Match: Nov 6 – Nov 9, Bengaluru

India A Squads

1st Four-Day Match:
Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed.

2nd Four-Day Match:
Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.