Rishabh Pant’s Return to Competitive Cricket: Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to make his long-awaited comeback to competitive cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Pant as captain of India A for the upcoming two red-ball matches against South Africa A, both to be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Pant, who had been recovering from a fractured left foot/toe injury, will lead both squads in what marks his first appearance since the England Test series earlier this year.
The Injury and Recovery
Pant sustained the injury during the fourth Test against England in Manchester, when a delivery from Chris Woakes struck his foot while he was attempting a reverse hit. Despite returning to bat the next day and scoring a fighting 54 runs off 75 balls, the injury ruled him out of the fifth Test.
Following medical advice for a six-week rest period, Pant missed India’s:
- Asia Cup 2025 triumph,
- Two-match home Test series against the West Indies, and
- White-ball tour of Australia.
Now fully fit, Pant’s return as India A captain signals an important step toward his international comeback with the senior national side.
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India A Squads for the South Africa A Series
The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced two separate India A squads for the matches scheduled later this month and early November. Sai Sudharsan will serve as vice-captain in both encounters.
India A Squad – 1st Four-Day Match
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain & WK | Rishabh Pant |
| Vice-Captain | Sai Sudharsan |
| Batters | Ayush Mhatre, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ayush Badoni |
| Wicketkeeper | N Jagdeesan |
| All-Rounders | Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain |
| Bowlers | Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur |
Note:
- Ayush Mhatre, an 18-year-old Mumbai opener, receives his maiden India A call-up.
- Saransh Jain earns a place after his six-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy.
India A Squad – 2nd Four-Day Match
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain & WK | Rishabh Pant |
| Vice-Captain | Sai Sudharsan |
| Batters | KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran |
| Wicketkeeper | Dhruv Jurel |
| All-Rounders | Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar |
| Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar |
Highlights:
- The second match features senior Test regulars such as KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the India A setup after strong Ranji Trophy performances.
Match Schedule
| Match | Dates | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Four-Day Match | October 30 – November 2, 2025 | BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru | 9:30 AM IST |
| 2nd Four-Day Match | November 6 – November 9, 2025 | BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru | 9:30 AM IST |
Significance of the Series
This series is crucial for Pant’s red-ball match fitness ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test series against South Africa in November.
It also provides a platform for young talents like Ayush Mhatre and domestic performers such as Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar to gain valuable experience alongside senior players.
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Looking Ahead
Pant’s return as a leader in India A marks a positive development for Indian cricket, especially as the team looks to rebuild a strong Test core. His performances in Bengaluru will likely influence his selection for India’s main Test squad soon after.
Rishabh Pant’s comeback not only boosts India A’s leadership but also reassures fans about his readiness for the highest level again. The series against South Africa A is expected to test both his fitness and form in red-ball conditions — setting the stage for his full-fledged return to international cricket.
