KEY POINTS
- Rishabh Pant returns as vice-captain after recovering from a foot injury, leading India A to victory over South Africa A.
- Akash Deep replaces Prasidh Krishna, adding depth to India’s pace attack for the series.
- The squad remains largely settled with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, and Bumrah and Siraj leading the pace attack.
NEW DELHI: India have named their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, set to begin on November 14. The series will take place in Kolkata and Guwahati, with the latter hosting its first-ever Test match.
India’s squad sees two key changes from the group that faced the West Indies last month, with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant making his return after recovering from a foot injury.
Pant, who has also been named vice-captain, will bring his valuable experience back to the team. The left-hander has been in good form recently, leading India A to a tense victory against South Africa A, where his 90-run knock in the fourth innings guided his team to a successful chase of 275.
Pant had previously served as vice-captain during India’s England tour.
Alongside Pant, fast bowler Akash Deep also makes a comeback to the squad. Deep, who has been impressive in domestic cricket, replaces Prasidh Krishna in the lineup.
Key Changes and Squad Composition
Narayan Jagadeesan, who was initially called up as a replacement for Pant during the England series and was part of the squad for the West Indies series, makes way for the returning wicketkeeper.
Pant’s inclusion will create a selection dilemma for the Indian management, as Dhruv Jurel, who replaced Pant during his injury, has been in splendid form, including a maiden Test hundred in the West Indies series.
The rest of the squad remains largely settled, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal set to open the batting.
The bowling department will be spearheaded by the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep as the third seam option.
Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy round out the remaining spots.
The Schedule
The two Tests will be played in Kolkata from November 14-18, followed by Guwahati from November 22-26.
India Squad for South Africa Tests
Batters: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
