Rishabh Pant to lead India A in two four-day matches against South Africa A in Bengaluru, marking his comeback after a foot injury. With selectors monitoring his form and fitness closely, these games serve as vital preparation ahead of India’s Test series against South Africa starting November 14, 2025. A crucial step toward Pant’s Test return.
Pant to Lead India A Ahead of South Africa Test Series
Rishabh Pant is set to mark his much-awaited return to competitive cricket as he takes charge of India A in two four-day matches against South Africa A in Bengaluru. The series, scheduled from October 30 to November 9, serves as an important preparation phase before India’s Test series against South Africa, starting mid-November.
After suffering a fractured foot during the fourth Test against England in July, Pant completed two stages of rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Having now received full medical clearance under the “Return to Play” protocol, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is ready to prove his form and fitness once again.
A Perfect Prelude to India’s Test Season
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have crafted the India A squads carefully to ensure balance and continuity, allowing both international and domestic performers to shine.
Pant will captain both matches, while B Sai Sudharsan has been appointed vice-captain. The first match runs from October 30 to November 2, and the second from November 6 to November 9 both in Bengaluru.
A number of senior players like KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj will feature only in the second match. Their inclusion signals that they are strong contenders for the main Test squad against South Africa.
Meanwhile, the likes of Rajat Patidar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Akash Deep are included for only one match due to their ongoing commitments in the Ranji Trophy. Several domestic stars, including N Jagadeesan, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, and Harsh Dubey, have been rewarded for their impressive performances this season.
Selectors’ strategy seems clear give Pant sufficient match practice and evaluate his fitness under real game conditions before reinstating him to the national Test squad. If everything goes smoothly, Pant’s full-fledged Test comeback is expected in the first India-South Africa Test in Kolkata from November 14.
India A vs South Africa A Fixtures
| Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Four-Day Match | October 30 – November 2 | Bengaluru |
| 2nd Four-Day Match | November 6 – November 9 | Bengaluru |
India A Squad for 1st Four-Day Match
Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed.
India A Squad for 2nd Four-Day Match
Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
This series represents a defining moment for Rishabh Pant, who has been India’s most explosive Test batter in recent years. His leadership of India A is not just about match readiness it’s about sending a clear message that Pant is ready to reclaim his place in the national team. With South Africa looming as the next big challenge, Pant’s performances in Bengaluru could very well shape India’s Test fortunes in the months to come.
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FAQ
When will Rishabh Pant return to play competitive cricket?
Pant will return by leading India A in two four-day matches against South Africa A from October 30 in Bengaluru.
Why was Pant chosen to lead India A?
Selectors want to give Pant match practice and assess his fitness before considering him for the Test squad against South Africa.
Which senior players are part of the India A squad?
KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will join the squad for the second match.
Where will the India A vs South Africa A matches be played?
Both matches will be played in Bengaluru.
When is India’s Test series against South Africa scheduled?
The Test series begins on November 14, 2025, with the first match taking place in Kolkata.
