Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been named captain of the India A squad for the two-match unofficial red-ball series against South Africa A, marking his return to competitive cricket after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England tour in July. The matches will be held in Bengaluru starting October 30, providing Pant valuable match practice ahead of the home Test series beginning November 14.
Pant’s Comeback and Captaincy Role
Pant had suffered a right toe fracture from a Chris Woakes delivery during the Manchester Test, sidelining him from the Asia Cup and the West Indies Tests. Despite the setback, he had batted valiantly in England, scoring a half-century. Now fully fit, Pant will not only feature but also lead both games in the India A vs South Africa A series. Vice-captain duties go to rising batter Sai Sudharsan, while seasoned names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will join the squad in the second match.
India A Squad Breakdown and South Africa’s Lineup
The first four-day match squad includes youngsters like Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, and Yash Thakur, along with backup keeper N Jagdeesan. For the second game (November 6–9), experienced players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Dhruv Jurel will be in action, along with pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar.
South Africa A, led by Marques Ackerman, features senior team captain Temba Bavuma as he returns from a calf injury. The tour also includes three one-day matches in Rajkot from November 13 to 19, followed by the full-fledged senior India vs South Africa series, consisting of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
Full India A Squad
1st Four-Day Match (Oct 30–Nov 2): 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.
2nd Four-Day Match (Nov 6–9): 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.
