Rishabh Pant's return date confirmed, to lead India A against South African side, Sarfaraz Khan faces snub from selectors again

India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will return to action after recovering from foot injury sustained in Manchester Test on England tour. Pant will lead India A against South Africa for two four-day matches, starting October 30 at BCCI's Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. 

No leadership role for Patidar, seniors to join for 2nd game

Not Rajat Patidar who led West Zone to Duleep Trophy title, Sai Sudharsan has been named Pant’s deputy for the series. KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Abhimanyu Easwaran will join the squad for the second four-day game. 

As a result, Ayush Mhatre, Patidar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Narayan Jagadeesan and Saransh Jain will not feature the second game starting on November 6, just over a week ahead of the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

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No Sarfaraz Khan

The most notable exclusion from the India A squad is Sarfaraz Khan. After getting dropped from the Test squad, he does not seem to be in the scheme of things now for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. In addition, Mohammed Shami will not feature in the four-day series as well. 

Sarfaraz contributed with scores of 42 and 32 in Mumbai's 35-run win over Jammu & Kashmir in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener. Shami got back to basics against Uttarakhand. The Bengal pacer claimed seven wickets, leading his side to an eight-wicket win.

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

Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, 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.