Great News for India Ahead of South Africa Tests; Rishabh Pant is BACK!

Excellent news for India as Rishabh Pant is back, with the wicketkeeper named as India A’s captain for the two-match four-day series against South Africa, on October 21 (Tuesday). The first of the two clashes will begin on October 30 (Thursday) at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Sai Sudharsan, India’s incumbent No.3, will serve as his deputy for the two-match series. Pant last played for the national team back in July, with the left-handed batter fracturing his foot attempting a reverse scoop off Chris Woakes’ bowling. 

While the left-hander was expected to be part of Delhi’s second-round Ranji Trophy clash against Himachal Pradesh. Alongside Pant and Sudharsan, the selectors have also taken a bold decision of including Ayush Mhatre in the setup, who is expected to open for the side at some point in the series. 

India squad for the first four-day match

Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India squad for the second four-day match

Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep