Rishabh Pant Returns to India's Test Squad for South Africa Series

Rishabh Pant's Comeback to International Cricket

On Wednesday, Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batter, was officially named in India's Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against South Africa. This marks his return to international cricket following recovery 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 played a pivotal role in leading India A to victory over South Africa A in a four-day match held 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.

Also making a comeback is Bengal pacer Akash Deep, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. He recently returned to competitive cricket by participating in the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy.

Akash Deep is also included in the India A team set to face South Africa A in their second four-day match, commencing Thursday in Bengaluru.

India's bowling lineup will feature 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 starting November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati on November 22.

The complete Test squad for India includes: 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 Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep.