IND A vs SA A 2025: India A squad for South Africa A Tests announced, Rishabh Pant returns

The Senior Men’s Selection Committee has picked India A’s squad for the two four-day matches to be played against South Africa at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. The biggest development out of the squad announcement is the return of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's return to cricket after a three-month break.

Pant, who had dealt a toe fracture during the fourth Test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year, will mark a return to professional cricket after undergoing a rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Haridwar-born had missed the two games against the West Indies, owing to his injury, and wasn't a part of Delhi's opening game against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

The India A squad also welcomes Ayush Badoni and Ayush Mhatre for the first time, whereas, all-rounder Saransh Jain has also been awarded with a place for his recent Duleep Trophy heroics for Central Zone. Apart from Saransh, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar are the other spin-bowling all-rounder options in the 13-man squad for the first match.

Notably, the second match will also see participation from KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhruv Jurel, meanwhile, who is currently in Australia for a multi-format series with the national team, will be available for the second game. Jurel had led India A in the series against Australia A, however, the selectors have gone with Sai Sudharsan as the vice-captain for the South African assignment.

India A Squads

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

India A vs South Africa A 2025 — Schedule, Venues, Dates, and Timings