Rishabh Pant spotted wearing new jersey number as India A captain during the 1st Test against South Africa A

Rishabh Pant is back in action after the major injury he received during the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy in England. He had to remain outside of the field for multiple weeks; now he is in action as the skipper of the India A team. 

India A team is now up against South Africa A team at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds in Bengaluru. This match is marked as the return of Rishabh Pant in competitive cricket. When he stepped into the field, cricket fans noticed his jersey number. Usually, he used to wear jersey number 17 while playing for Team India. But for this game, the keeper-batter is spotted in jersey number 18. In international cricket, jersey number 18 for team India is mostly known for Virat Kohli, who is probably nearing his retirement from international cricket. 

Rishabh Pant was in exciting form during the 5-match Test series against England. During the fourth match of the series, he injured his foot. The swashbuckling batter went to play a reverse sweep against the English pacer Chris Woakes. There was no connection between the ball and the bat; the ball lashed on his foot. Pant missed the crucial last match of the series as well. The ongoing India A vs. South Africa A match is very crucial for him to prove his fitness on the ground. 

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Toss update:

Rishabh Pant, captain of India A team won the toss and decided to bowl first. For opting to bowl first, he explained that the wicket is looking ok. But he wants to use most of the surface. Pant has the plan to use the moisture of the soil by bowling first. 

Playing XIs for India A vs South Africa A: 

India A: Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Mhatre, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ayush Badoni, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed

South Africa A: Marques Ackerman (c), Jordan Hermann, Lesego Senokwane, Zubayr Hamza, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tiaan Van Vuuren, Prenelan Subrayen, Tshepo Moreki, Lutho Sipamla, Okuhle Cele.