Rishabh Pant Set to Make a Comeback in India's Test Squad Against South Africa
Rishabh Pant's Anticipated Return
New Delhi: Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is poised to rejoin India's Test lineup for the forthcoming two-match series against South Africa, commencing on November 14 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
According to sources, the senior men's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, held an online meeting earlier this week, confirming Pant's return to the Test squad. The official announcement of the team is expected shortly.
Pant, who was sidelined during the 2-0 Test series victory over the West Indies due to recovery from a foot fracture incurred during the fourth Test against England in July, is anticipated to take the place of fellow wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan, marking what is likely to be the sole alteration to the squad.
At 28 years old, Pant demonstrated his fitness and readiness by leading India A to a win in the first four-day match against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, scoring 90 runs in the second innings as India A chased down a target of 275 in a nail-biting finish.
For the upcoming second match between India A and South Africa A, which begins Thursday, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will participate after being released from the T20I squad following the third match in Hobart.
Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, will join the Test squad after the final match on November 8 in Brisbane.
The first Test will take place in Kolkata from November 14-18, followed by the second Test at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati from November 22-26, marking the first Test match ever hosted in Guwahati.
Currently, India ranks third in the World Test Championship points table with 61.90% points, while South Africa is in fifth place with 50%, following a 1-1 draw in Pakistan. After the Test series, India and South Africa will also compete in three ODIs and five T20Is, while the A teams will face off in a three-match 50-over series in Rajkot later this month.