Fit-again Pant to captain India ‘A’ squad in red-ball series against South Africa ‘A’

India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) appointed captain of the nationwide A facet for a red-ball sequence in opposition to South Africa A after absolutely recovering from a foot fracture sustained during the tour of England.

Pant had injured his foot whereas batting within the fourth Check at Manchester in July and subsequently was not a part of the Asia Cup squad and extra not too long ago the two-Check residence sequence in opposition to the West Indies.

He was struck on his proper toe by a Chris Woakes supply however got here out to bat heroically, scoring a half century albeit in a misplaced trigger.

The selectors have named him within the India A squad for each the video games, to be held in Bengaluru from October 30. The A sequence will give Pant useful recreation time forward of the two-match residence Check sequence in opposition to South Africa starting November 14 in Kolkata.

Another outstanding names that can function in the course of the course of the 2 four-day video games embody Ok.L. Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, who has been named vice-captain, Devdutt Padikkal, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna amongst others. All six had been part of the squad for the West Indies Exams.

Prasidh, Siraj, Akash Deep and Jurel will play the second recreation, from November 6 to 9, in the course of the quick sequence. N Jagdeesan would be the second wicketkeeper within the squad for the primary match.

Sudharsan, whose approach was examined in opposition to the West Indies spinners, could be seeking to enhance that side of the sport.

India regulars like Rahul, Siraj, Krishna and Jurel are a part of the squad for the second recreation starting November 6.

Akash Deep, who has not performed Check cricket for the reason that tour of England, can also be out there for the second unofficial Check.

Among the many home performers, will probably be fascinating to see how pacers Gurnoor Brar and Khaleel Ahmed fare.

South Africa’s A staff, to be captained by batter Marques Ackerman, will function senior staff captain Temba Bavuma, who could be returning after recuperating from a calf harm.

South Africa A may even play three one-day matches in opposition to India A in Rajkot from November 13 to 19.

The senior Check sequence, from November 14 to November 26, will likely be adopted by three ODIs and 5 T20 Internationals.

India A squad for the first four-day match

Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India A squad for the 2nd four-day match

Rishabh Pant (C) (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.