Rishabh Pant Returns as India Announce Squad for South Africa Tests: Vice-captain Rishabh Pant is back in action as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday named a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. There’s more good news for Bengal pacer Akash Deep, who has earned a recall, while Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan misses out with Pant returning to full fitness.
The first Test will take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14, followed by the second in Guwahati from November 22 to 26.
“The Men’s Senior Selection Committee has picked India’s squad for the upcoming two-match IDFC First Bank Test series against South Africa,” the BCCI said in a release.
Rishabh Pant Makes a Strong Comeback
Rishabh Pant, who fractured his foot during the fourth Test against England earlier this year in Manchester, has made a confident return to competitive cricket. Leading India A last week, he guided the team to a thrilling win over South Africa A in Bengaluru.
He didn’t just lead well but also showed he’s back in top form, scoring a crucial 90 in the second innings as India A chased down 275 runs in style. His return adds strength and experience to India’s middle order, especially with his ability to turn games around.
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Akash Deep Back in the Mix
Pacer Akash Deep is another familiar face returning to the Test setup. He’s also part of the India A squad that’s currently facing South Africa A in a four-day match starting Thursday in Bengaluru. His inclusion gives India extra pace depth alongside the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Balanced Squad with Experience and Youth
India’s bowling attack looks well-rounded with Bumrah and Siraj leading the pace unit, while the spin department will rely on the experienced Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar.
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The batting lineup also has a mix of young energy and seasoned talent with Shubman Gill captaining the side, supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal.
India’s Squad for South Africa Tests:
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
With Rishabh Pant’s comeback and a few exciting names in the mix, this two-Test series promises plenty of action and a glimpse of India’s next generation of Test stars.
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