NEW DELHI: In a major development, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is back in action as he set to lead the India A squad in their upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A. The Senior Men’s Selection Committee announced the squads for these eagerly awaited encounters, scheduled to take place at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Pant will take on the role of captain and wicketkeeper for both games, heading a group of promising young cricketers eager to make their mark in the red-ball format. The squads feature a mix of emerging talents and established players, all aiming to impress selectors with strong performances.
For the first four-day match, India A’s squad is led by captain and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and also includes Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (wicketkeeper), vice-captain Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar. The bowling department is well-stocked with Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, and Saransh Jain.
The second match sees a few changes, with Pant continuing as captain and wicketkeeper, and KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper) joining the lineup. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns alongside Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. The bowling attack is strengthened by Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
Both matches are scheduled from October 30 to November 2 and November 6 to November 9, with play starting at 9:30 AM IST each day at the Bengaluru venue.
Pant's long-awaited return after toe injury
Rishabh Pant has been out of action for several months following a toe injury sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar series. The injury occurred when Pant attempted a reverse scoop off Chris Woakes during the fourth Test, forcing him to sit out multiple domestic and international fixtures.
Pant’s return, after his absence from professional cricket, marks a significant moment for Indian cricket fans, who will be eager to see him back in action with the gloves and bat.
