Rishabh Pant has made a full return to India’s Test set-up as the BCCI on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the two-match series against South Africa. The wicketkeeper-batter, who injured his foot during the Manchester Test against England, had been sidelined for several months before featuring in the recent India A fixtures.
Pant, 28, marked his return to competitive cricket during the India A versus South Africa A series, where he impressed with both his leadership and form. Coming back from rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Pant captained India A to victory in the opening game of the series.
He will resume his role as deputy to Test captain Shubman Gill for the senior side. Dhruv Jurel, who caught the selectors’ attention with his performances in the West Indies, has been named the second wicketkeeper for the series.
The squad also sees the return of Axar Patel, who last played a Test in 2024. His inclusion strengthens India’s spin department, expected to be led by Ravindra Jadeja and supported by Washington Sundar. Fast bowler Akash Deep also finds his way back into the Test fold after missing the West Indies series.
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Prasidh Krishna, however, misses out, making way for Axar as the selectors balance a spin-heavy attack for home conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are set to spearhead the pace battery, with Kuldeep Yadav offering added variety with his wrist-spin.
South Africa enter the series on the back of a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, with Temba Bavuma returning to lead a full-strength side as they begin their tour of India.
The first Test will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from 14–18 November, followed by the second match in Guwahati from 22–26 November. A three-match ODI series and five T20Is will follow.
India’s Test squad for South Africa series:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.
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