Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 29: Indian cricket fans are set to witness a highly anticipated return as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant gears up to lead India A against South Africa A in the opening four-day match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, beginning Thursday.
For Pant, this is more than just a match — it marks a fresh chapter in his career after months of rehabilitation and recovery. The 28-year-old has been out of action since suffering a fracture to his right foot’s fifth metatarsal during the fourth Test against England in Manchester earlier this year.
Having missed India’s recent 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies, Pant has spent the last few months working intensively at the National Cricket Academy, focusing on both his batting rhythm and wicketkeeping reflexes. His inclusion as captain of India A signals the selectors’ confidence in his fitness and leadership, as he remains a vital part of India’s long-term Test plans.
A BCCI insider told that Pant has passed all fitness and return-to-play assessments and is in “great physical and mental shape,” eager to make a strong impression ahead of India’s upcoming Test tour of South Africa in December.
Alongside Pant, vice-captain B. Sai Sudharsan, who impressed against the West Indies, will be closely watched, as will Devdutt Padikkal and N. Jagadeesan, who are eyeing consistent red-ball performances.
The bowling department will see Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar leading the pace attack, while the spin trio of Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Saransh Jain will provide variety and challenge Pant’s glove work behind the stumps.
The second fixture, scheduled from November 6 at the same venue, will feature senior players KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Dhruv Jurel, who are expected to join the squad as part of their Test preparations.
For Pant, however, the mission remains simple — runs, rhythm, and readiness. As he steps back into competitive cricket, all eyes will be on whether the trademark flamboyance and fearlessness that define him are still intact.
Match details:
• Date: Thursday, October 30
• Time: 9:30 AM IST
• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru
• Live streaming: JioHotstar
India A squad: Rishabh Pant (capt. & wk), B. Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ayush Mhatre, N. Jagadeesan (wk), Ayush Badoni, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Saransh Jain.
South Africa A squad: Marques Ackerman, Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf.