Rishabh Pant returned to competitive cricket through the first of the two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A, as he aims to keep himself fit for the upcoming two-match home red-ball series against the Proteas. The left-handed batter has been leading India A at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. 

Pant injured himself during the fourth Test of India's previous trip to the United Kingdom against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. The left-handed batter looked to reverse sweep Chris Woakes, whose ball hit the southpaw on the side of his foot. He was in serious pain at the point before managing his injury and came to bat on the very next day.

See Also: [WATCH] Rishabh Pant and India players wish women's side ahead of Women's World Cup 2025 final vs South Africa

This ongoing SA-A series saw Pant finding a good rhythm with the bat in the second innings. He started with his regular big shots around the park. With a boundary, slapped through the extra cover region, Pant celebrated his fine half-century and ended the third day’s play with an unbeaten 64 runs in 81 balls at a strike rate of 79, thanks to eight boundaries and a couple of sixes.

Watch: Rishabh Pant notches up 50 during IND-A vs SA-A unofficial Test in Bengaluru

Three half-centuries from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, and Rubin Hermann shouldered the Proteas to 309 in the first innings after India’s captain decided to bowl first on a surface which provided a little help to the bowlers. Tiaan Van Vuuren nailed 46 runs while Tanush Kotian picked up four wickets in the first innings.

IND A - 32 /3
Tatget - 275

This is #RishabhPant for you 🔥🛐 pic.twitter.com/vvPErhHCTn

— Nani sai 🔱 (@alwaysnanisai2) November 1, 2025

India couldn’t put in a great performance with the bat in their first innings. Apart from Ayush Mhatre’s 65 runs in 76 balls, thanks to 10 boundaries at 85.53, none of the batters were able to celebrate their respective fifties in the innings, despite getting valuable starts with the bat. They got bundled out for 234.

South Africa couldn’t use the advantage of a decent lead and were blown away for 199 in the second innings. Kotian bagged another four-wicket haul in the second innings. Going into the fourth and final day of the clash, India A need 156 runs with six wickets in hand.

Rishabh Pant’s 29-minute innings included two confident shimmies, two clean boundaries, and one poor shot, summing up his score of 17 in India A’s total of 234 all out against South Africa A on the second day of the four-day match on Friday.

India A bowled out South Africa A for 309 in the first session, adding just 10 runs to their overnight score of 299/9. However, India lost momentum due to their own mistakes and the steady off-spin of Prenelan Subrayen (5/61), ending with a 75-run deficit.

Also Read -‘That One Move...’: Amol Muzumdar Reveals What He Told Harmanpreet and Jemimah During the Chase vs Australia

India A vs South Africa A: First Unofficial Test, Day 2 Highlights

Teenager Ayush Mhatre (65 off 76 balls) was the only India A batter who showed fight on Day 2. In their second innings, South Africa A reached 30 without loss, extending their lead to 105 runs. Jordan Hermann (12) and Lesego Senokwane (9) were unbeaten at stumps, keeping the visitors in control.

AYUSH MHATRE SCORED 65(76) FOR INDIA A ON HIS DEBUT. 🇮🇳

- A Star in making for CSK & India. pic.twitter.com/8e85uxn7FI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 31, 2025

Pant’s Return to Competitive Cricket

Rishabh Pant’s return after three months was one of the biggest talking points of the day. While he looked sharp behind the stumps, his batting failed to impress.

He began with a missed swing against pacer Tshepo Moraki but soon struck a boundary over mid-on off Subrayen. Pant also pulled Moraki for another four but soon lost focus and gave an easy catch to Zubayr Hamza at gully after scoring 17 runs.

Sudharsan and Mhatre Stand Out

Sai Sudharsan, opening in place of the injured Narayan Jagadeesan, scored 38 off 94 balls. Though he struggled with timing and survived a few close calls, he supported Mhatre in building a 90-run opening stand, the best partnership for India A.

Sudharsan’s innings ended when Moreki’s delivery caught his edge, and wicketkeeper Rivaldo Moonsamy took the catch.

Overall, India A’s batting looked dull and inconsistent, allowing South Africa A to maintain their advantage at the end of Day 2.

The opening unofficial Test match between India-A and South Africa-A holds a massive significance for the return of Rishabh Pant at the BCCI Center of Excellence Ground 1. The left-handed batter was out of action for the last two months and didn’t feature in the recent Asia Cup 2025 and the two-match home Test series against the West Indies.

Pant also didn’t take part in the three-match ODI series and the five-match T20I series against Australia down under. But the left-handed batter eyes his return for the upcoming two-match red-ball series against the Proteas at home. In an unofficial Test, he entertained the fans with his funny stump-mic conversations.

See Also: “Inspired me...”- Know how Pakistan’s mystery spinner returns to cricket from enjoying MS Dhoni’s biopic

“There are not several fielders on the off side. You keep bowling at the same line; no issues there. You keep hitting the stump line for a few minutes. There won’t be many issues. Don’t be fussed about their shots and be relaxed. Let’s catch the rhythm first and keep bowling at the same spot for a couple of overs. Wicket will come eventually.” Pant continued his interaction with the spinner.

Watch: Rishabh Pant’s stump-mic conversation during IND-A vs SA-A unofficial Test goes viral 

Pant injured himself during the fourth Test of the five-match series against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. He tried to reverse sweep Chris Woakes over the wicket-keeper’s head but was hit on the bridge of his foot. Pant was stretched out of the field before wobbling into the middle on the next day to bat.

Rishabh Pant is back - and so are the stump mic moments! 🎯#INDAvSAA, 1st Unofficial Test, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/JjpHHM4t7l pic.twitter.com/8fPyEcNayq

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 30, 2025

“Lovely!! This is what I want. Now, show me if you can bowl six balls at this spot. It will be fun then.” Pant supported the spinner. The Proteas didn’t make a good start with the bat as they lost their opener, Lesego Senokwane, for a seven-ball duck in the second over of the game.

But Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza celebrated a fine 130-run stand for the second wicket to bail themselves out of trouble. But Gurnoor Brar broke the stand, removing Hamza for 66 runs in 109 balls with the help of nine boundaries and one six. Hermann looked good in the middle for 64 unbeaten runs.

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. 

Read More: CSK’s surprising strategy for IPL 2026, trusted overseas duo can be dropped

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.

Shreyas Iyer discharged from the ICU of a hospital in Sydney, Australia—relief for Indian cricket fans. Though, concerns remain. After the Australia tour, India is set to face South Africa for a multiple-format series at home. After a 2-match Test series, a 3-match ODI is scheduled to be played between these two teams. For the recently concluded India vs Australia ODI series, BCCI named Iyer as the vice-captain of the team. 

It was expected to see him during the ODI series against South Africa as well. But the unfortunate injury changed the equation. Iyer is now uncertain for the highly anticipated competition. If the middle-order batter remains outside of the field during the upcoming India vs. South Africa ODI series, then who can take his place?

3 players who have the potential to replace injured Shreyas Iyer:

1. Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson can be an ideal replacement if Iyer remains unfit to play. Samson is mostly known for his attacking batting at the top of the batting line-up, but the board put him in the middle order during the Asia Cup 2025. In the new role, the prolific batter lacked no skill during the tournament. Samson's ODI stats are more than impressive. The keeper-batter so far has played 14 ODI innings for Team India to score 510 runs at an average of 56.66.

Read More: "Can score anything..."- Travis Head sends stern warning to India before AUS vs T20 1st T20I

2. Rishabh Pant: Another Team India cricketer who is currently out of action due to injury. He is currently going through the recovery phase and is expected to come back to the field soon. If the team management wants to select a proven middle-order talent, then Pant can be the best probable fit. The swashbuckling batter has the ability to change the color of a match single-handedly. In 31 ODI matches, the keeper-batter has so far gained 871 runs at an average of 33.50. Pant last participated in the format on August 7, 2024. 

3. Ishan Kishan: His recent performance is the reason to drag his name into the list. For the last few months, Ishan Kishan, another keeper-batter, has been in tremendous form, scoring runs for fun. With the experience of scoring 933 runs at an average of 42.40 in 27 ODIs, he can be a surprising pick for the spot. It is worth mentioning that Ishan has prior experience batting at the number 4 spot, where Shreyas Iyer used to play. 

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have taken a clever and pragmatic step ahead of IPL 2026 by appointing New Zealand’s former captain, Kane Williamson, as the adviser for the team. Williamson, known for his calm mannerism and highly collected cricketing brain, is anticipated to help with the team's strategy, match preparation, and tactical decisions throughout the game. Williamson's experience in international cricket provides strong insight into how LSG can carve out advantages at crucial moments for LSG to gain an edge over its opponents.

With Rishabh Pant's captaincy, the team will be trying to create a mix of young talent and experience. Williamson will be another layer of guidance for the younger players to learn from, particularly in his batting style, leadership, and how to deal with pressure. Fans have expressed anticipation to see Williamson's impact on the tactical conversations, which may affect LSG's performance in a competitive environment that will be IPL 2026.

Williamson's support staff will also add to the team. Justin Langer operates as the head coach, Bharat Arun continues as bowling coach, and Lance Klusener operates as assistant coach. Collectively, they make for an extremely strong coaching panel, which should assist LSG with focused preparation, too, with in-game management decisions and team performance throughout the tournament. 

🚨 LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS 2026 🚨 [RevSportz]

Coach - Justin Langer
Strategic Adviser - Kane Williamson
Bowling Coach - Bharat Arun
Assistant Coach - Lance Klusener

Kane Williamson will bring lots of experience to the team led by Rishabh Pant. 👌 pic.twitter.com/2aPYJ8gzIc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 16, 2025

See Also: ‘I Don't Even Know Who He Is…’- Ex-ICC umpire criticizes Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy controversy

Williamson’s Role and Impact on LSG

Kane Williamson will be the adviser of the team, and his major contribution will come with regard to strategy and player development. He will work closely with Rishabh Pant with regard to game plans, opposition analytics, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, and providing real-time support during matches. Due to Williamson's experience in international cricket tournaments, he will help to influence the young players and the team regarding calmness under pressure and decision-making in case of close match situations.

Off the field, Williamson is expected to assist in player development by mentoring the younger players on technique, mental toughness, and consistency. His role will see benefits across the team, for the present and going forward, along with LSG being a genuine title threat for IPL 2026.

The Indian wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, who is going through his recovery period after missing the Asia Cup 2025, home West Indies Test series and the away Australia ODI and T20I series due to the foot injury that he picked up during the Manchester Test against England, is aiming to be back in the national side during the upcoming Test series at home against South Africa. 

Pant has completed months of rehabilitation and looks set to be back in competitive cricket later this month for Delhi during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. His foot is due for a final assessment by the medical team from the BCCI’s CoE in the coming week, which will decide his fate for the batter. 

See Also: "Didn't understand..."- Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence on his ODI future after omission from away Australia series

Adding a lighter moment to his comeback journey, Pant has surprised his fans on social media by adding a new skill, which is something he isn’t renowned for. In a video on his Instagram account, the 27-year-old was seen aiming at a target and hitting the bullseye on the first attempt.

Watch: Rishabh Pant displays archery skills to hit bullseye in viral video

What was more surprising in the video was the fact that Pant announced the ‘bullseye’ confidently even before he let the throw leave the bow. Many have been impressed by the show as they hoped to see the batter back in the national side behind the stumps soon. He also shared the glimpses of his recovery session in Bengaluru, where he continued to build his fitness.

#Rishabhpant fav hero #Ramcharan is brand ambassador for archery premiere league so he is also trying🏹 pic.twitter.com/OmwWZzSSVA

— RP 17 (@_RISHABHPANT_17) October 11, 2025

“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 expressed to the TOI, as quoted by them.

Before the injury, Pant was in great form in England. At Leeds, the southpaw clubbed two successive centuries before adding three half-centuries in the next three Test matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, and Manchester. If he doesn’t get his fitness back, India is expected to continue with Dhruv Jurel.

Injuries are part and parcel of any cricketer, but it seems to be a consistent factor for Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicket-keeper batter, who, having missed more than a year of his career after the fatal car accident, is currently out of the game due to the foot injury that he picked up during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Pant looked to reverse sweep Chris Woakes during the clash as the ball hit him on the bridge of his foot. Before that game, the Indian keeper got hit on the tip of the finger while keeping at Lord’s against the wobbly seam. He has shared a few glimpses of his recovery session at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

See Also: "Didn't understand..."- Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence on his ODI future after omission from away Australia series

“Got me in the corner there, but came out with flying colors. I have always done it under pressure.” Pant expressed his emotions during the video, for which he has used ‘locked in’ as the caption. The southpaw will be eager to make a quick return to the national side.

Watch: Rishabh Pant shares video of his recovery at BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru

Rishabh Pant has smashed 3427 runs in 82 innings of the longest format at an average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 74.16 with the help of 18 half-centuries and eight centuries at the best score of unbeaten 159 runs. In England, the left-handed batter has smacked two centuries and two half-centuries during the previous series.

Locked in 🥷 #RP17 pic.twitter.com/ArI6HGpTxr

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) October 11, 2025

Pant was out of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy, where Sanju Samson featured as the wicket-keeper batter, with Jitesh Sharma getting a chance in the squad. In the Test series at home against the West Indies, Dhurv Jurel has taken the responsibility. He nailed a fine century in the opening game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Pant is expected to make his return to the game for Delhi through the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 for a couple of games. If things go according to plan, then Pant could be back in the squad and possibly into the eleven for the next home Test series against South Africa in November.

Team India keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel played very well in the first Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India won the match by an innings and 140 runs. After West Indies were bowled out for 162 in their first innings, India scored 448-5 declared in 128 overs. Jurel was one of three centurions in India’s innings.

Coming in at No. 5, Jurel scored 125 runs off 210 balls. His innings included 15 fours and 3 sixes. The 24-year-old added 206 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored an unbeaten 104 off 176 balls. Jurel was finally out, caught behind off Khary Pierre’s bowling.

The Uttar Pradesh cricketer got a chance to play in India’s last two Tests because first-choice keeper-batter Rishabh Pant was injured. Jurel has made the most of his opportunity. He has now played six Test matches. Here, we compare his stats with Rishabh Pant after Pant also played six Tests.

Also Read -Know the reason behind Dhruv Jurel's maiden century celebration in IND vs WI first Test

Dhruv Jurel vs Rishabh Pant – Stats After 6 Tests

In six Test matches (nine innings), Dhruv Jurel has scored 380 runs at an average of 47.50. He played four Tests against England, scoring 243 runs at 48.60. In one Test against West Indies, he scored 125 runs in Ahmedabad. He also played one Test against Australia, scoring 12 runs.

Rishabh Pant, after six Tests (10 innings), scored 399 runs at an average of 39.90. He had three Tests against England, scoring 162 runs at 27 on average. Against West Indies in two Tests, he scored 184 runs. He scored 53 and 92 runs in one Test against Australia.

50-Plus Scores

Jurel has two 50-plus scores after six Tests, including his maiden century (125) against West Indies. Before that, he scored 90 & 39 against England, 46 in Rajkot, and 34 at The Oval.

Pant has three 50-plus scores – one century (114) and two fifties. He scored 92 against West Indies twice and 114 against England at The Oval in 2018.

Record in Wins

India won all six Tests Jurel played. In these wins, he scored 380 runs at 47.50, with one century and one fifty.

Pant played four wins in his first six Tests. He scored 262 runs at 43.66, with two fifties. In the two Tests India lost, he scored 137 runs at 34.25. His 114 against England came in a losing match.

Away Record

Jurel played two away Tests, scoring 65 runs at 16.25, with a best of 34. At home, he scored 315 runs at 78.75, with one century and one fifty.

Pant played four away Tests, scoring 215 runs at 26.87, with one century. At home, he scored 184 runs at 92, with two fifties.

India has named its Test squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies, marking the return of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Young batter Devdutt Padikkal has been drafted in as a replacement for Karun Nair. The team will be led by Shubman Gill, with Ravindra Jadeja stepping in as the vice-captain.

Bumrah, who was rested for much of the England series due to workload management, has confirmed his availability for this series. He featured in only three Tests earlier this year but now looks set to lead India’s pace attack against the Caribbean side.

The two-match series will begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, giving India another chance to test its bench strength while blending experience with youth. The inclusion of Padikkal provides him with a big platform to prove himself at the longest format, while Bumrah’s return adds much-needed firepower to India’s bowling lineup.

See Also: BCCI selects RCB star as captain of Rest of India for Irani Cup

India Announces New Vice-Captain for Test Series Against West Indies:

Team India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Thursday unveiled the squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. Along with the squad announcement, he also confirmed a change in leadership for the series.

With regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a foot fracture sustained during the England Tests, the management has handed the responsibility of deputy to Ravindra Jadeja. The experienced all-rounder will serve as the second-in-command under captain Shubman Gill, bringing stability and seniority to the setup. Jadeja’s elevation reflects the trust placed in his leadership skills alongside his invaluable contributions on the field.

Ajit Agarkar said, “ Rishabh is the vice-captain at the moment, and a key player, but unfortunately, hasn't quite recovered to make this particular Test series. We're hopeful that he'll be available for South Africa (Tests), and Jaddu's been one of your top performers, so there's a lot of experience.”

Ajit Agarkar press conference is over. Jadeja is vice captain. Breaking and big take from Dubai. pic.twitter.com/MRUzNLtTZm

— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) September 25, 2025

He further said, “ He (Pant) won't be ready, but like I said, we are hopeful that by the time South Africa comes around, he's (going to be) 100% fit. On exact timelines, I know he's not going to make these two Test matches, but after that, he's very close to getting fit.”

With Rishabh Pant unavailable, the selectors have added wicketkeeping options to strengthen the squad. Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan have earned call-ups, ensuring India has dependable backup choices behind the stumps for the upcoming West Indies Test series.

India’s Squad for Upcoming Test Series vs West Indies:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, N Jagadeesan (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna