BCCI has finally announced the India's 15-member Test squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. Notably, India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has officially made his return to the Indian Test team. Pant's inclusion comes after a period of recovery, during which he missed India's previous Test series against the West Indies due due to a foot fracture he sustained back in July during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. N Jagadeesan was the player who made way for Pant's return to the squad.
Rishabh Pant returns to Indian Test Squad
Pant, who didn't feature in the Test series against West Indies due to injury that he picked during Anderson-Tendulkar outing, shone bright and proved his form by captaining the India A side to a thrilling win over South Africa A in their first four-day encounter. He cracked a crucial 90 in the second innings to power India A to a much-needed win by helping them overhaul a 275-run target.
Notably, the two-match Test series against South Africa is set to begin shortly. The first Test is scheduled to get underway in Kolkata, starting on November 14.
Devdutt Padikkal rewarded
Alongside the returning Pant. Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, who plays for RCB in IPL, and Dhruv Jurel are also there in the India's Test squad. The side will continue to be led by Shubman Gill, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to his captaincy tenure, having won four of his first seven matches. Gill will be supported by the established opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top of the order.
India's bowling attack is set to be spearheaded by the experienced pairing of Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. The spin contingent is robust, featuring four talented options: Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. The pace department includes Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj, complemented by the inclusion of pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, providing the captain with multiple attacking and defensive options.
Mohammed Shami's absence turns heads
The squad announcement brought several notable omissions. Pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was part of India's last two Test series, has been left out. Most notably, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan once again failed to secure a place in the 15-member squad, a decision likely to spark debate among fans and commentators given his consistent domestic performances. Furthermore, the absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and batter Karun Nair also stands out as a subject for discussion.
India’s 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