The South Africa-A showdown will provide a perfect opportunity for Pant and his men to get into the groove ahead of the bigger challenge in the Test series against the Proteas.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Fearlessness and flamboyance are set to take centre stage at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds as Rishabh Pant makes his return to competitive cricket, leading India-A against South Africa-A starting Thursday.
This marks Pant’s comeback after a three-month injury lay off. The wicketkeeper-batter injured his foot during the fourth Test against England in late July and has been steadily working his way back to full fitness.
Rishabh Pant
| Photo Credit:
PTI
The setback forced him to miss the Asia Cup and the home Test series against the West Indies. However, this two-match, four-day series provides the perfect opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignment against world champion South Africa.
The 28-year-old, expected to return to the Test fold, has been training hard at the CoE, focusing on both his batting and wicketkeeping in practice sessions.
Adding further promise to the India-A line-up are the young guns in the top order. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan will be eager to make a strong statement and solidify his credentials at the crucial No. 3 slot, while Devdutt Padikkal will carry the momentum from Ranji Trophy after scoring a fluent 96 for Karnataka against Saurashtra.
On the bowling front, Punjab’s medium-pacer Gurnoor Brar, who played for India-A against Australia-A, adds energy to the pace attack.
Experienced left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed will look to build on his domestic form, having bagged a three-wicket haul for Rajasthan in a recent Ranji Trophy game.
The spin department, consisting of Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey, will provide Pant with valuable match practice behind the stumps, while also giving India’s emerging talents an opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the home Test season.
Published – October 30, 2025 12:01 am IST
