Rishabh Pant returns as India announce 15-member squad for the Test series against South Africa

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced Team India men’s squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The first Test of the India–South Africa series will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14, followed by the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22.

India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a much-anticipated return to the Test arena. Pant, who has also been reinstated as vice-captain, replaces Prasidh Krishna in the squad that featured in India’s previous Test series against the West Indies.

The selection, headed by Ajit Agarkar, marks Pant’s first Test call-up since his injury in July earlier this year. The left-hander had missed the final Test of the England series and the subsequent home series against the West Indies due to a foot fracture sustained during the Manchester Test. His inclusion signals India’s confidence in his fitness and readiness to resume high-intensity international cricket.

Pant’s injury came when he attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes in the fourth Test against England. Despite initially batting through pain, his decision to continue aggravated the injury, sidelining him for several months. His determination, however, shone through during his rehabilitation phase, culminating in a successful return with India A.

Leading India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru, Pant struck a match-winning 90 in the second innings, guiding his team to a three-wicket victory. His fluent knock, combined with sharp wicketkeeping, reassured selectors of his form and fitness. Pant is also set to lead India A in the second unofficial Test beginning November 6, where he will continue to test his endurance ahead of the main series.

The 15-member squad has a balanced mix of youth and experience. Alongside captain Shubman Gill, the top order features Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan — a blend of flair, stability, and consistency. Pant is likely to occupy the crucial No. 5 slot, providing the middle order with his trademark aggressive touch.

Dhruv Jurel retains his place as the backup wicketkeeper after impressive stints against England and West Indies. In the all-round department, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel offer India depth and variety in spin, while Nitish Reddy adds a seam-bowling option to the mix.

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The bowling attack looks formidable, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah leading the line, supported by Mohammed Siraj and the promising Akash Deep. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav completes the lineup, providing India with a potent spin option for conditions that could assist turn.

Krishna and N Jagadeesan are the major omissions from the previous Test setup, while veteran pacer Mohammed Shami continues to miss out despite stellar domestic performances for Bengal, where he has claimed 15 wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 15.53.

India 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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