Just after the end of the three-match ODI series at home against South Africa, it was announced that Virat Kohli would be part of a couple of games for Delhi in the 2025/26 season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). He was expected to be joined by the wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant, in the squad.

This happens given the BCCI’s rule of players turning up in the domestic game if they are not part of the national commitment. It will be a return to List-A cricket for Kohli after a long time, as he appeared for the side in the first-class game against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at the start of the year.

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That turned out to be his final game with the red ball as he announced his retirement from the longest format during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Kohli, however, keeps an eye on being part of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia

Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli named in first two Delhi games in VHT 2025/26 

Pant has been named the captain of the side with Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini also making them available for the first two games. Virat Kohli has also been part of the 20-man squad which will play its first two games against Andhra and Gujarat. Harshit Rana, if available, will join the squad as Ayush Badoni has been named the vice-captain. 

Pant will also get the experience of Nitish Rana in the middle order and the freshness of young Priyansh Arya at the opening spot of the team. Simarjeet Singh will be their top-class bowler of the side, with Hrithik Shokeen taking care of the spin department. 

Delhi’s squad for the first two VHT 2025/26 games

Rishabh Pant (capt), Ayush Badoni (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini.
Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)

India’s stand-in captain Rishabh Pant looked visibly disappointed as he stepped forward to assess his team’s performance after the crushing 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati. The loss handed the Proteas their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil. Pant, playing in a leadership role following Shubman Gill being ruled out due to a neck injury sustained in the Kolkata Test, did not offer excuses and was candidly honest about India's lacunae.

Without naming anyone, Pant highlighted the major problems troubling the Indian team. His words reflected frustration, concern, and the need for urgent improvement. "It's a little disappointing. As a team, we need to get better… Credit to the opposition for playing better than us. They dominated the series… we're playing at home, and sometimes we were up in the game. Still, we didn't capitalise on it," he said after the loss.

Pant added that cricket demands consistency and effort regardless of the venue. He stressed that India’s batting unit must grab key moments, something the team failed to do. "Whether you're playing at home or away, cricket demands that determination and that extra effort… As a batting unit, you need to capitalise on certain moments… The positives from this series will be to focus on our own plan,” the captain added.

India Suffer Their Worst-Ever Home Test Defeat

This result marks India’s heaviest Test defeat on home soil, surpassing the 342-run loss to Australia in 2004. It also underlines a worrying pattern, as this is India’s fifth Test defeat in the past year. South Africa’s 2-0 series triumph is their maiden Test series win in India after 25 years, repeating their 2-0 victory from the 2000 tour.

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For India, this becomes their third-ever clean sweep at home, following the 0-3 loss to New Zealand last October. The defeat has raised serious questions about the team’s approach, consistency, and readiness for red-ball challenges ahead.

South Africa began their first innings after choosing to bat, and India opened with disciplined bowling. Jasprit Bumrah extended his fiery form by removing Aiden Markram for 31, securing both South African openers inside the first session of the Kolkata Test. His impact came early, giving India full control and forcing South Africa to rethink their approach in challenging morning conditions.

The main breakthrough came in the 12th over when Bumrah bowled a 137.7 kmph delivery that bounced more than expected. The ball moved away slightly, and Markram tried to play at it but was unsure. Rishabh Pant then pulled off a brilliant one-handed catch by diving to his right, making the dismissal even more special.

Markram walked back after scoring 31 off 48 balls, with five fours and one six. His wicket ended a short 5-run stand for the second wicket. South Africa, who were comfortably placed at 57/0, suddenly slipped to 62/2 in 12.1 overs. Bumrah’s double strike shifted the momentum towards India.

Bumrah’s Early Breakthroughs Help India

By the end of the first session on Day 1 at Eden Gardens, South Africa reached 66/2 after choosing to bat. Bumrah removed both openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, putting early pressure on the visitors. Wiaan Mulder and skipper Temba Bavuma are currently at the crease, trying to steady the innings.

Watch the video here

Simply outstanding! 💪🏻💥

Rickelton first, Markram next! #TeamIndia’s gun spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah has now removed both the 🇿🇦 openers!

Catch the LIVE action ⬇️#INDvSA 1st Test LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/uK1oWLgsfx pic.twitter.com/a8YFAcqShA

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 14, 2025

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Indian captain Shubman Gill chose a spin-heavy lineup, suggesting the team expects the pitch to offer more turn later in the match. The nature of this Test, being an important one in the World Test Championship cycle, has given India a strong start and an early advantage in the match with Bumrah's early wickets.

At the time of writing, South Africa are 85/3 in 19.3 overs during Day 1, Session 1 of the Kolkata Test. Wiaan Mulder is batting on 16, while Tony de Zorzi is on 2, with Kuldeep Yadav having taken 1 wicket so far.

Indian cricket fans have got a big relief as the India A skipper Rishabh Pant returned to bat and smashed his familiar quick-fire half-century to help the hosts set a big fourth innings target for South Africa A in the second unofficial Test.

WATCH: Rishabh Pant retired hurt

During the first session of the third day of the second unofficial Test, India A captain Rishabh Pant got three blows, on his body and helmet, all against the fast bowler Tshepo Moreki. Ultimately, during the 34th over of India A's second innings, Pant decided to retire hurt at 17 off 22 balls.

Rishabh Pant retires hurt after taking three blows today. First on the helmet, second on the left-hand elbow, third on the abdomen. Tough day for the fighter. ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/kdTX8jdM8B

— Harsh 17  (@harsh03443) November 8, 2025

[WATCH] Abhishek Sharma smashes Nathan Ellis for massive 6 during AUS vs IND 5th T20I

Rishabh Pant returned and scored a 48-ball 50

However, Pant returned to bat in the 81st over after Harsh Dubey was dismissed for 84 runs. Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant set an 82-run partnership for the seventh wicket in just 53 balls. While Dhurv scored another unbeaten century (127 not out), just like his knock (132 not out) in the first innings to save India A's innings, Pant completed his half-century in 48 balls. Before losing his wicket, Pant scored 65 off 54 balls with the help of five fours and four sixes. India A declared their innings at 382/7, as the hosts set a 417-run target for South Africa A in the fourth innings.

Rishabh Pant is the only batter who treats Test bowlers like T20 —
Steps out, swings hard, and sends red-ball into the stands 🥶#RishabhPant
pic.twitter.com/VjSGvbfvPQ

— Orion (@arshdeep3444) November 8, 2025

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa will begin next week from November 14 at Kolkata, while the Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant is set to return to international cricket. Although his latest retired hurt had made his return to international cricket doubtful, he gave a big relief by returning to bat and maintaining his familiar batting performance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series at home against Temba Bavuma as their star wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, returns to the national side, having featured smoothly during the opening unofficial red-ball clash for India A against South Africa at the CoE in Bengaluru. 

Rishabh Pant injured himself during the fourth Manchester Test in their previous trip to the United Kingdom when Chris Woakes' delivery hit the batter on the bridge of the feet while the southpaw attempted the reverse sweep. Along with Pant, who replaced Narayan Jagadeesan in the squad, Akash Deep returned to the squad in place of Prasidh Krishna.

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Deep was recovering from a back injury that had kept him out of the Duleep Trophy after his return from England. Since then, he played the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 for Bengal and is expected to be part of the second unofficial Test against the South Africa A side.

Rishabh Pant and Akash Deep return for India in Test series against South Africa

India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill, their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, who are part of the T20I series against Australia currently down under, will join the Test squad on November 8, which is six days before the beginning of the first Kolkata Test. Kuldeep Yadav was released from the T20I squad to take part in the second unofficial Test.

The second clash will be played at the debut ground- Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who smashed a fine fifty and a century for Mumbai against Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy, will be itching to continue the flow. India is currently at three, while the Proteas are at five in the WTC 2025-27 points table.

India’s squad for two-match Test series at home against South Africa

Shubman Gill (captain), 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

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant has stated that he is completely fit and 'ready to go' in time for the Test series against South Africa in mid-November. Pant, who was out of action for a few months due to a serious fracture to his foot he sustained in July during the Test series between England and India, made the announcement in an interview with the BCCI at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Currently leading the India A team in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A, Pant opened up about his rehabilitation journey from the painful yorker injury he suffered in Manchester. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CoE staff who supported him throughout his recovery.

“I started my rehab gradually. In the early days, there was a lot of physiotherapy and careful monitoring. Once I regained some mobility, I began focusing on building strength, which marked the start of the second phase. Right now, I’m happy to say that I’m fully recovered, and I owe a big thanks to the CoE staff for helping me through it,” Pant said.

Pant Shares Positivity and Focus During Recovery

Known for his resilience after surviving a life-threatening car accident in 2022, Pant shared how staying positive played a big role in his recovery journey. “Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, it’s easy to lose motivation. Your energy levels drop and frustration builds up. But if you can find small things that make you feel good, it’s important to hold onto them, especially when you’re going through that period,” he explained.

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Pant’s return to the field, however, didn’t start with fireworks. In the first innings of the unofficial Test, he scored 17 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by South African pacer Okuhle Cele. Still, his comeback is a massive boost for India’s Test side, which drew the England series 2-2 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With Pant’s experience and presence behind the stumps, India will have greater balance ahead of the two-match home series against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final squad announcement is expected soon.

India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A have been announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rishabh Pant, who has been on a long injury break, will lead the side in both the matches. Names such as Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Suthar have been included in both squads and provide a good core to the series.

The selectors have selected some players for both games, while others are distinct in each game. It is an effort to help young players gain experience in the first game while providing older Test players with an opportunity to play in the second game. The first game is scheduled to begin on October 30, while the second game will start on November 6. Both games will be hosted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The team will also serve as a launching ground for new players to demonstrate their talent against stiff competition. By combining young blood with experience, India A is trying to offer competitive cricket while giving selectors an opportunity to evaluate players for future international games.

Young Talent and Test Stars in Focus

For the first unofficial Test, 18-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre has been included. Ayush Badoni, who was part of India A during the Australia series, has retained his place, while Rajat Patidar will play only in the first game. N Jagadeesan is the second wicketkeeper, with Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur leading the pace attack. Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has been drafted in after taking six wickets against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener.

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The second four-day game will feature experienced Test players such as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the squad after his impressive performance against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. The pace attack for this match will include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed, giving India A a strong and balanced side for the second encounter.

India A Squads for South Africa A Series

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.

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’s aggressive left-handed batter, Rishabh Pant, didn’t feature in the fifth and final Test of the England series at the Kennington Oval after he picked up a foot injury during the fourth encounter at the Old Trafford in Manchester. He looked to reverse-sweep Chris Woakes as the ball hit the bridge of his foot to rule him out of the fifth game.

The injury was severe as Pant couldn’t play the T20 Asia Cup 2025, the three-match ODI and five-match T20I series against Australia down under, and the two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. The reports claimed that Pant’s right foot is slated to be assessed by BCCI’s medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

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“As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by Oct 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn’t want to take any chances with him.” The BCCI source revealed as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

Rishabh Pant to make comeback in competitive cricket on October 25 through Ranji Trophy 2025-26

India will play another two-match Test series against South Africa from the middle of November, and this could provide Pant a couple of games until November 05 to play for Delhi to get fully fit. A call, however, on his availability of the Ranji Trophy games will depend on when he gets full clearance from CoE and his own preparation of the Protea series.

“Pant has not committed to any date when he can join the Delhi camp. He has asked to wait for the clearance from CoE. Playing the first-round Ranji Trophy match from Oct 15 would be very tight for him. If he is available, he is most likely to lead the team.” The DDCA official confirmed as stated by TOI.

“Pant has said he should be available for the Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi from Oct 25. He has conveyed that it will be subject to fitness and clearance obtained from the BCCI medical team.” A top official addressed. Delhi will face Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry in the first couple of games of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

Team India can rejig their playing XI for the all-important match of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. England, with a 2-1 lead in the 5-match Test series, has created a situation where the visiting side has no option but to win the match at The Oval. For a must-win scenario, the Indian team management is reportedly set to make multiple changes in their playing combination.

According to media reports, the men in blue are likely to make 4 changes with the hope of making the highest impact on the series decider. One change is obvious—exclusion of Rishabh Pant. Narayan Jagadeesan has joined the squad as the replacement for injured Pant. But mostly chances to play the highly anticipated match tilted towards Dhruv Jurel, who did the wicketkeeping job when Pant was not available to play. Jasprit Bumrah also can miss the crucial match due to a workload management issue. 

Anshul Kamboj, who played his debut match for India in the previous match at Old Trafford, can be dropped from the playing eleven for producing underwhelming bowling stats in the 4^th Test, where India got a draw in a heroic manner. In place of two pacers—Bumrah and Kamboj—Team India may go with two other pacers. Akash Deep, who missed the Manchester Test due to injury, can make a return to the playing team. According to reports, there are chances for Prasidh Krishna also.

Read More: WATCH: Rishabh Pant's replacement increases heat at The Oval, BCCI shares video

Media reports further suggested that Shubman Gill and Company can maintain their focus on increasing the batting depth, as they did in the previous matches of the series. Thus, Kuldeep Yadav can be overlooked again. To increase the batting depth, a surprising move is the expected return of Karun Nair. Nair can again find his spot in the starting eleven, according to media reports.

Probable changes Team India can make:

OUT: Shardul Thakur, Rishabh Pant, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah

IN - Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has criticized the Indian bowling unit for their lackluster performance on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. England ended the day strongly at 225/2 in response to India’s 358, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley dominating the bowling attack. Chopra remarked that the visitors’ weaknesses were exposed, and conditions also favored the hosts.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out how England’s aggressive opening partnership dismantled India’s bowling plans. "England are 225/2. The opening partnership was destructive. They ran at more than five runs per over. They exposed a few of our gaps. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did break the partnership by bowling a little restrictively; it was a good catch as well, and (Anshul) Kamboj got a wicket towards the end, but we looked weak," he said. He further added, "Suddenly, the sun also started shining. I am in Birmingham, and it has been overcast here throughout the day, but the sun has come out in Manchester, and it came out when they started batting, which means sunlight is also listening to the hosts."

Ben Duckett hammered 94 off 100 balls with 13 fours, while Crawley made 84 off 113, also hitting 13 boundaries and a six. Their 166-run stand in just 32 overs left India searching for answers on a day when the bowlers struggled to find rhythm or movement. Chopra believes India will struggle to stay in the contest if something extraordinary doesn't happen with the ball on Day 3. "They have run far ahead in the game. If you don't produce a spell of magic, we will fall way behind in this series."

Chopra questions Sundar’s non-utilization despite past success

The former cricketer expressed concern about India's bowling choices, particularly the decision not to use Washington Sundar at all during England’s innings. He pointed out that Sundar, who had taken four wickets in the previous Test at Lord’s, was completely unused despite India fielding six bowling options. "In the end, you need bowlers to take 20 wickets. One can say they have six bowlers, but the sixth bowler hasn't come at all. You haven't given Washington Sundar a single over in 46 overs. This is the same Washington Sundar who picked up four wickets at Lord's," Chopra noted.

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However, he defended captain Shubman Gill’s decision not to use Sundar, suggesting it’s difficult for a skipper to manage too many options. "You can't blame Shubman for that. Six bowlers aren't required in general, and when you have so many, it's hard to rotate everyone effectively," he concluded.