Rishabh Pant has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, marking his comeback after recovering from a foot fracture that ruled him out of the recent West Indies tour. The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday.
Pant had missed India’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies last month after sustaining the injury during a Test match against England in September. Dhruv Jurel had taken over wicketkeeping duties in his absence.
Proving his return to full fitness, the 28-year-old made a strong statement last week by scoring 90 runs in the second innings for India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru, helping his side secure a three-wicket win.
Fast bowler Akash Deep also returns to the squad after missing the West Indies series, while key players including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will rejoin the team following the ongoing T20 series in Australia.
The first Test will be played in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second in Guwahati from November 22.
South Africa have also welcomed back their captain Temba Bavuma, who returns from a calf injury that sidelined him during their recent tour of Pakistan.
India currently sit third in the World Test Championship standings, while defending champions South Africa are fourth.
India Squad for South Africa Test Series:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper, vice-captain), 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.
