IND-A vs SA-A: Rishabh Pant to return to action, Rahul and Siraj to feature in second match

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for two upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A, scheduled to be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. These matches, set from October 30 to November 2 and November 6 to 9, 2025, are crucial as India prepares for its senior Test series against South Africa starting mid-November.

Rishabh Pant has been named captain and wicketkeeper for both matches, marking a significant return to professional cricket following a foot injury sustained earlier this year. Pant’s comeback is highly anticipated after a three-month recovery, during which he missed key matches, including India’s recent Test fixtures. Sai Sudharsan will serve as vice-captain, providing leadership support for this promising squad.

🚨 Rishabh Pant The Captain Is Back 🚨

Rishabh Pant will lead India A against SA A! Rishabh Pant returns after 6 weeks of rest, fully fit and ready to dominate once again. He’s also set to make his much-awaited comeback in the South Africa Test series. pic.twitter.com/4jhQ2x67Nu

— Harsh 17  (@harsh03443) October 21, 2025

The squad for the first match includes a blend of young talent and experienced players, featuring Pant, wicketkeepers Ayush Mhatre and N Jagdeesan, vice-captain Sudharsan, and batters like Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. Spin-bowling all-rounders such as Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar bolster the side, alongside pace options Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar.

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For the second match, the selection committee has brought in established Test players KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and promising bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep. Dhruv Jurel will also be available as a wicketkeeper. This line-up aims to provide robust competition to South Africa A and valuable red-ball experience to fringe players eager to earn a spot in the senior national team.

These matches form part of South Africa A's tour of India and offer selectors an opportunity to evaluate emerging talents in the longer format under competitive conditions. The first game will start at 9:30 AM IST on October 30, followed by the second game commencing at the same time on November 6.

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India A squad for the 1st four-day match: 

Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India A squad for the 2nd four-day match: 

Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

Schedule for the IND-A vs SA-A red-ball series