📰 Rishabh Pant to Lead India A in South Africa A Series; KL Rahul, Siraj, and Jurel Join Later

In a major development, Rishabh Pant is set to make his much-awaited return to competitive cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on October 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pant will lead both squads, marking his comeback after recovering from a foot fracture that ruled him out of action during the England series.

🏏 Pant’s Comeback Ahead of Key Home Series

The selection marks a significant step in Pant’s gradual return to full-time cricket. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who has been out for months due to a foot injury sustained during the England Tests, has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

His comeback in the India A setup is viewed as a crucial warm-up ahead of India’s full home series against South Africa, featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is starting November 14.

BCCI confirmed the news in an official statement:

🔁 Two Different Squads for the Two Matches

To manage player workloads and align with the international schedule, the BCCI has named two separate India A squads for the two matches.

• The first four-dayer starts on October 30,
• The second four-dayer begins on November 6, after the completion of India’s ODI series against Australia.

The second match will feature senior players returning from national duty — including KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been appointed vice-captain for both matches, underscoring his growing stature in India’s red-ball setup.

📋 India A Squad Details

India A Squad – 1st 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
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Gurnoor Brar
• Anshul Kamboj
• Yash Thakur
• Ayush Badoni
• Saransh Jain

India A Squad – 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

⚡ Pant’s Leadership Return — Symbol of Confidence

Pant’s appointment as captain indicates the selectors’ faith in his leadership and fitness levels. Sources suggest this move will allow the southpaw to test his match readiness and regain rhythm ahead of India’s international home season.

Cricket pundits believe that his performances here will play a key role in determining his inclusion in India’s Test squad vs South Africa. The India A series, often seen as a bridge between domestic and international cricket, will thus serve as a perfect comeback platform for Pant.

🏟️ South Africa A Tour Details

• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
• Format: Two four-day matches
• Dates:
  • 1st Match – October 30 to November 3
  • 2nd Match – November 6 to November 10

The matches will also help selectors assess fringe players like Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal, and Tanush Kotian in the red-ball format before the senior team’s next cycle of international fixtures.