Rishabh Pant named captain as the BCCI announces India A squad for unofficial test series against South Africa A

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :October 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM

Modified at :October 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM

Rishabh Pant celebrates his ton in the second innings of Headingley test

(Courtesy : BCCI)

The India A vs South Africa A series will mark the return of Rishabh Pant to cricket after foot injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (21st October) announced India A squad for the two-match unofficial test series against South Africa A. Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain of the team and the series will mark his return after his injury setback.

Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury during the test series against England. The keeper-batter was the out of action for around two months, missing Asia Cup 2025 and the two-match test series against the West Indies at home. The India A series will now help him to get in the groove for the South Africa series.

Him getting fit will be big boost for Indian Cricket Team, especially with important test series around the corner. Pant, who is the vice-captain of the Indian test side, will be leading a young A team, which will see some of the exciting youngsters.

Sai Sudharsan will be the vice-captain and will see the likes Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep across the two games. There are two different teams for two games but a few of them will feature in both games.

India A squad for the South Africa A series

India A squad for the 1st four-day match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (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.

Schedule of India A vs South Africa A series


S. No.	Date (From)		Date (To)		Time	Match	Venue
1	Thu	30-Oct-25	Sun	02-Nov-25	9:30 AM	Multi-Day	BCCI COE
2	Thu	06-Nov-25	Sun	09-Nov-25	9:30 AM	Multi-Day	BCCI COE

When will India A vs South Africa A test series begin?

The India A vs South Africa A test series will begin on October 30.

Who will lead India A in the unofficial test series against South Africa A?

Rishabh Pant will lead India A in the unofficial test series against South Africa A.

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.