Rishabh Pant Makes Exciting Comeback to India's Test Squad Against South Africa

Rishabh Pant Returns to Test Cricket

New Delhi: Rishabh Pant, the prominent wicketkeeper-batter, has made a highly anticipated return to India's Test team for the upcoming two-match home series against South Africa. This marks his first appearance in international cricket since recovering from a foot fracture.

The injury occurred during the fourth Test against England in Manchester back in July, which sidelined him for the subsequent series against the West Indies.

Recently, the 26-year-old showcased his skills by leading India A to victory over South Africa A in a four-day match in Bengaluru, where he scored 90 runs in the second innings while chasing a target of 275.

Pant has taken the place of N Jagadeesan in the 15-member squad, which is captained by Shubman Gill.

Additionally, Bengal pacer Akash Deep has also been recalled to the Test setup after recovering from a shoulder injury. He recently returned to competitive cricket by participating in the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy.

Akash Deep is part of the India A team that will face South Africa A in the second four-day match starting Thursday in Bengaluru.

The pace attack for India includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, while the spin department will rely on experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar.

The first Test is scheduled to take place in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati on November 22.

India's Test squad consists of: 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, and Akash Deep.