After months on the sidelines, Rishabh Pant is all set to make his much-awaited return to competitive cricket as he leads India A against South Africa A in a four-day match starting Thursday. This marks a crucial step in Pant’s recovery journey and a chance to prove his match fitness before the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
Pant’s Return After Three-Month Injury Layoff
Pant, who sustained a foot injury during the fourth Test against England on July 23, has been undergoing extensive rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The injury ruled him out of the Test series against the West Indies, but his selection as captain for India A reflects the management’s confidence in his recovery.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will look to use these two four-day games to regain form and rhythm before returning to the senior squad. Having trained rigorously at the CoE, Pant’s primary goal will be to find his groove both with the bat and behind the stumps.
Eyes on Fitness, Form, and Wicketkeeping Rhythm
Besides his batting, Pant will focus on fine-tuning his wicketkeeping skills, especially with the prospect of facing elite spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the Test series. Facing India A’s spinners — Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey — will serve as a solid test ahead of the senior-level challenge.
The pitch conditions at the BCCI CoE grounds are expected to be batting-friendly, giving Pant the ideal opportunity to spend time in the middle and build confidence.
Other Players to Watch Out For
Sai Sudharsan, who last featured in the second Test against the West Indies, will aim to convert starts into big scores. Despite showing potential, Sudharsan has managed just two half-centuries in nine innings so far.
The India A squad also includes several promising names like Devdutt Padikkal, Narayan Jagadeesan, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj — all of whom will look to make a strong impression and push for senior team consideration.
South Africa A’s Challenge
On the visitors’ side, attention will be on Zubayr Hamza, who returns to the Test fold after nearly two years. Hamza has been in fine touch recently, scoring two centuries and two fifties in his last six first-class games. With Prenelan Subrayen as the only seasoned bowler in the lineup, South Africa A’s attack may not pose a major threat, but it will still test Pant’s readiness.
Full Squads
India A: Rishabh Pant (C, WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.
South Africa A: Marques Ackerman, Temba Bavuma (only for 2nd match), Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf.
Match starts: 9:30 AM (IST)
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!
