Rishabh Pant Returns as Vice-Captain for South Africa Tests — Full Squads Announced!

In a major boost for Team India, Rishabh Pant has officially returned to the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, reclaiming his position as vice-captain. Pant, who had been sidelined due to a fractured foot sustained against England earlier this year, impressed selectors with his recent performances for India A, including a vital 90-run knock in Bengaluru.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel announced a 15-member Test squad, with Shubman Gill continuing as captain. Akash Deep also earned a call-up, while Prasidh Krishna and N Jagadeesan were left out. The opening Test will take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Nov 14–18), followed by the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (Nov 22–26).

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma has been named captain of the India A squad for the one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot, starting November 13, with Ruturaj Gaikwad serving as vice-captain.

India Test Squad vs South Africa:

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), 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

India A Squad for One-Day Series vs South Africa A:

Tilak Varma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Prabhsimran Singh (WK)