The Cricket Control Organization of India (CCOI) has made public the Indian National Cricket Team roster for the forthcoming Test series versus South Africa. The inaugural Test match of the India–South Africa series is scheduled to be held at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata starting November 14, to be succeeded by the second and concluding Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22.
Rishabh Pant stages highly anticipated return as assistant captain
Rishabh Pant, the Indian team’s electrifying wicketkeeper-batsman, has triumphantly rejoined the Test squad. Pant, who also has been reappointed as the second-in-command, takes the place of Prasidh Krishna in the lineup that participated in India’s prior Test series against the West Indies.
The selection process, supervised by Ajit Agarkar, signifies Pant’s first Test selection since his injury sustained in July of the current year. The left-handed player was absent for the final Test of the England series and the subsequent home series against the West Indies due to a foot injury experienced during the Manchester Test. His presence underscores India’s belief in his shape and eagerness to recommence competitive international cricket.
Pant’s injury occurred when he attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes’ bowling in the fourth Test against England. Despite initially displaying resilience, his determination to continue exacerbated the injury, causing him to be sidelined for a number of months. However, his tenacity shone during his rehabilitation phase, culminating in a successful return with the India A squad.
Leading India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru, Pant delivered a decisive 90-run innings in the second innings, leading his team to a three-wicket triumph. His elegant innings, accompanied by precise wicketkeeping, assured selectors of his shape and readiness. Pant is also slated to captain India A in the second unofficial Test commencing November 6, where he will persist in evaluating his endurance prior to the main series.
Squad equilibrium and noteworthy inclusions
The 15-member squad features a well-rounded combination of youth and seasoned players. Together with captain Shubman Gill, the top order comprises Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan — a mix of skill, steadiness, and dependability. Pant is anticipated to occupy the pivotal No. 5 position, contributing his characteristic aggressive style to the middle order.
Dhruv Jurel has retained his position as the reserve wicketkeeper following impressive performances against England and the West Indies. Within the all-round section, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel provide India with breadth and variety in spin options, while Nitish Reddy introduces a seam-bowling alternative to the squad.
The bowling unit appears formidable, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack, accompanied by Mohammed Siraj and the promising Akash Deep. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav completes the lineup, offering India a potent spin weapon for conditions that may favor spin bowling.
Krishna and N Jagadeesan are the notable omissions from the previous Test team, while veteran pacer Mohammed Shami remains excluded despite noteworthy domestic displays for Bengal, where he has secured 15 wickets in three matches at a noteworthy average of 15.53.
India Test squad for South Africa series: 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 Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
