Rishabh Pant Returns to India Test Squad
Rishabh Pant will play for the first time since fracturing his foot during India’s fourth Test against England in July 2025. He has been selected for India's upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
Test Series Details
- The first Test begins on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- The second Test will take place in Guwahati starting November 22.
Squad Changes
- Pant replaces N Jagadeesan, who featured in the series against the West Indies last month.
- Akash Deep is included in place of Prasidh Krishna.
Pant’s Comeback and Recent Form
Pant returns as the vice-captain. His recent match was as captain of India A in an unofficial Test against South Africa A, played from October 30 to November 2 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
He kept wickets throughout and faced a demanding bowling attack, with South Africa A batting 139.3 overs in two innings.
He scored 17 runs in the first innings but impressed with 90 runs off 113 balls in the second innings, helping India A secure a three-wicket victory.
Mohammed Shami's Absence
Senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami remains excluded from the Test squad. He was also left out of the West Indies series. Shami, 35, has stated that he is fit to play despite not being selected.
"I am fit to play," said Mohammed Shami regarding his exclusion from recent Test selections.
Author's Summary: Rishabh Pant returns as vice-captain for India's Test series against South Africa, while senior bowler Mohammed Shami continues to be overlooked despite claiming fitness.