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Rishabh Pant's Comeback: Leading India A After Injury Battle Against South Africa

Rishabh Pant is making his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket after recovering from a foot fracture. He'll be leading India A as captain against South Africa A in a four-day match at Bengaluru. The squad features exciting talents including vice-captain Sai Sudharsan and recent Ranji Trophy performers. This match marks Pant's first competitive appearance since his injury during the England Test series earlier this year.

Key Points: Rishabh Pant Returns as India A Captain Against South Africa A

  • Pant returns after fracturing foot during Manchester Test against England
  • Sai Sudharsan appointed vice-captain for the four-day match series
  • Squad includes KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj joining after ODI series
  • Pant's heroic half-century in England Test helped India secure series draw
  • Rajat Patidar included after scoring double century in Ranji Trophy
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Rishabh Pant set to lead India A against South Africa A in four-day match

Rishabh Pant makes competitive cricket comeback as India A captain against South Africa A in Bengaluru after recovering from fractured foot injury sustained during England Test.

"Pant made a valuable half-century, helping India draw the fourth Test and keep the series alive - Match Report"

New Delhi, October 21

Rishabh Pant is set to make his competitive cricket comeback as captain of India A, leading the team against South Africa A in a four-day match on October 30 at BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

BCCI announced the India A squad on Tuesday.

Pant, recovering from a fractured foot sustained during the Manchester Test earlier this year, will be joined by vice-captain Sai Sudharsan.

Pant would return to action in Delhi's Ranji Trophy second-round match, from October 25, at home against Himachal Pradesh. That could change now, with the first India A vs South Africa A game set to start just two days after the scheduled last day of the Ranji Trophy game.

While attempting to play an audacious stroke to a yorker delivered by English pacer Chris Woakes, Pant got struck on his foot and returned to bat in the first innings once again when India needed some runs on the board to pose a challenge to English side, with series being led by them by a 2-1 margin. Pant made a valuable half-century, helping India draw the fourth Test and keep the series alive. India won the final Test by six runs at The Oval to secure a remarkable, well-fought draw.

KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj and Dhruv Jurel will join the squad after the conclusion of three match ODI series against Australia in the second match. N Jagadeesan is the second wicketkeeper choice in the squad, while Rajat Patidar as also been added in the squad after his double century in first match of ongoing Ranji Trophy against Punjab.

While Ruturaj Gaikwad, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep will also join the squad in the second match.

India's batting line-up includes Ayush Mhatre, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ayush Badoni. The squad also included three all rounders Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar. Anshul Kamboj, and Yash Thakur will lead the pace attack in the first match while Saransh Jain will lead the spin department. India squad for first four-day match: Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India squad for second four-day match: Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vice-capt), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Good to see young talents like Ayush Badoni and Devdutt Padikkal getting opportunities. India A matches are perfect for grooming future stars. Hope they make the most of this chance!
R
Rohit P
The schedule seems a bit tight - Ranji Trophy ending just 2 days before India A match. Hope Pant doesn't rush his comeback and risk re-injury. Better to be cautious with such an important player.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Rajat Patidar included after his double century. Domestic performances are finally being rewarded. This is how our bench strength should be built - on merit!
V
Vikram M
Second match squad looks much stronger with Siraj, Rahul and Gaikwad joining. Good strategy to test youngsters first and then bring in experienced players. Looking forward to this series!
K
Kavya N
Pant as captain is a great move! He brings that aggressive mindset we need. Remember how he led Delhi Capitals in IPL? Hope he brings the same energy here. All the best to our boys! 🇮🇳

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