Rishabh Pant Returns to India Test Squad for South Africa Series
After months of anticipation, Rishabh Pant returns to India Test squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, beginning on November 14 in Kolkata. His comeback marks an important boost for India as the team looks to strengthen its red-ball lineup.
Rishabh Pant Returns After Long Injury Layoff
Pant replaces N Jagadeesan in the squad, while Akash Deep comes in for Prasidh Krishna. The wicketkeeper-batter has been out of action since July after suffering a foot fracture during the Manchester Test against England. His successful recovery now allows him to rejoin India’s Test setup.
During his return for India A, Rishabh Pant returns to India Test squad headlines became reality as he led the team to victory over South Africa A in Bengaluru. His second-innings knock of 90 guided India A to a chase of 275 and showcased his match fitness.
India officially announce their Test squad for the South Africa tour! Red-ball battle loading 🇮🇳🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 5, 2025
📸Getty pic.twitter.com/gIZ5NwLjop
Akash Deep and Squad Updates
Akash Deep has earned a recall after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him during the Duleep Trophy. His consistent performances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy impressed the selectors. However, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, despite taking 15 wickets in three Ranji rounds, did not make the squad.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy will join the Test squad after the ongoing T20I series in Australia. Kuldeep Yadav was released early from that series to prepare by playing in the India A four-day match starting November 6.
India vs South Africa Test Series Schedule
The India vs South Africa Test series will begin on November 14 in Kolkata, followed by the second Test in Guwahati on November 22. Notably, Guwahati will host its first-ever Test match. India currently sit third in the World Test Championship standings with 61.9% points, while South Africa are fifth with 50%.
India A Squad for South Africa One-Day Series
Alongside this, the selectors named the India A squad for a three-match one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as his deputy. Matches are scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19.
