Bengaluru, Oct 29 (NationPress) A touch of flamboyance and fearlessness is set to enhance the already busy cricket calendar as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant makes his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket. He will captain India A against South Africa A in the opening four-day match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, kicking off this Thursday.

For Pant, this is not merely a comeback; it represents a chance to reset and regain his playing rhythm ahead of the Test series against South Africa next month. The 28-year-old has been out of action since suffering a fracture to the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.

His lengthy recovery process has kept Pant away from India’s recent 2-0 series victory over the West Indies earlier this month. However, after spending three months in rehabilitation and refining his skills under the expert guidance at the CoE, the upcoming matches against South Africa A provide Pant with an ideal platform to showcase his swashbuckling style.

The selection committee's decision to appoint Pant as the captain of the India A team is a significant endorsement of his capabilities, indicating their faith in him as a key player within the current Test team leadership. Sources have revealed to IANS that Pant has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is eager to return, feeling optimistic and ready.

Alongside Pant, attention will also be directed towards vice-captain Sai Sudharsan, who has shown promise as a number three batter against the West Indies. Players like Devdutt Padikkal and N Jagadeesan will be looking to make their mark as well.

On the bowling side, the performances of Gurnoor Brar and Khaleel Ahmed as pace bowlers will be closely monitored, as they aim to make their case for a spot in the Test squad. The spin trio of Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey will also be tested, providing insights into India's upcoming generation of red-ball spinners while challenging Pant's skills as a wicketkeeper.

The A team fixtures mean that several Ranji Trophy teams will miss key players ahead of their next matches. For the second game, which starts on November 6 at the same venue, notable players like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Dhruv Jurel will join the squad.

For Pant, the objective is straightforward: runs, rhythm, and readiness. The stage is set for his long-awaited return, and all eyes will be on whether the familiar mix of flamboyance and fearlessness still resonates within a spirited yet determined Pant.

When: Thursday, October 30, 9:30 AM IST

Where: BCCI Center of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru

Where to watch: The match will be live-streamed on JioHotstar.

Squads:

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

South Africa A: Marques Ackerman, Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, and Codi Yusuf.

–IANS