Is Rishabh Pant Ready to Lead India 'A' in Four-Day Matches Against South Africa 'A'?
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Synopsis
Rishabh Pant is back! After a long injury layoff, he is set to lead the India A squad in two four-day matches against South Africa A. With the matches scheduled from October 30 to November 9, cricket fans eagerly anticipate his return. Will he reclaim his performance at the international level?
Key Takeaways
- Rishabh Pant has been named captain of the India A squad.
- The four-day matches are scheduled from October 30 to November 9.
- Pant missed significant matches due to a foot injury.
- He scored 479 runs with an average of 68.42 in the England tour.
- The India A squad includes promising players alongside Pant.
Mumbai, Oct 21 (NationPress) Rishabh Pant is poised to make his comeback to competitive cricket following a significant injury hiatus. The BCCI Selection Committee has appointed him as the captain of the India A team for two upcoming four-day matches against South Africa.
The matches are scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 9 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence located in Bengaluru.
Pant suffered a metatarsal fracture in his right foot during the fourth Test against England in late July after an inside edge from a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. He was forced to leave the field at 37 runs, with subsequent scans confirming the fracture.
This prolonged recovery has meant Pant missed crucial tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the two-match Test series against the West Indies, which concluded earlier this month in India, as well as the ongoing white-ball series in Australia.
After a three-month recovery from his foot injury, Pant was anticipated to return to competitive play for Delhi in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy. He started his batting practice in the CoE nets earlier this month, but he was not included in the Ayush Badoni-led Delhi squad while completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Pant, who serves as India’s vice-captain in Tests, amassed 479 runs in seven innings during the England tour, boasting an impressive average of 68.42, including two remarkable centuries in the series opener at Headingley, Leeds.
The India A squad for the first four-day match includes: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.
For the second four-day match, the squad includes: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
vi/bc
Point of View
I believe Rishabh Pant's return is significant for both his career and the Indian cricket team's dynamics. His leadership and batting prowess can greatly influence India A's performance against South Africa A. We must watch closely as he navigates this comeback phase, providing inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the nation.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Rishabh Pant return to competitive cricket?
Rishabh Pant is set to return to competitive cricket on October 30, when he leads India A against South Africa A.
What injury did Rishabh Pant suffer?
Rishabh Pant fractured the metatarsal in his right foot during a Test match against England in July.
How long was Rishabh Pant sidelined due to his injury?
Rishabh Pant was sidelined for three months due to his foot injury.
What is the significance of Pant's return?
Pant's return is crucial as he is a leading wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain in Tests, and his performance can greatly impact the team's success.
Where will the matches against South Africa A take place?
The matches will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
