The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced the full squad for the India vs. New Zealand T20I series. Now, fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the ODI squad. It is now speculated that Rishabh Pant can be dropped from the ODI team. In place of Pant, selectors can pick Ishan Kishan, who is named in the T20I squad as well, and can find a place in the One Day International team as well. 

The T20I squad for the New Zealand series and T20 World Cup was announced and is full of surprises. The omission of Shubman Gill and the inclusion of Ishan Kishan were some of the bold decisions taken by the BCCI selection panel. For obvious reasons, there is hype around the possible squad of the ODI team. 

As Gill is the skipper of the ODI team, he is likely to be included in the squad for the New Zealand series. Shreyas Iyer also can be there in the squad. He was the vice-captain of the ODI team when Team India travelled to Australia. During the series, Iyer received a serious rib injury, from which he has been recovering. On a positive note, Iyer has initiated his batting practices. So it is possible to see him in action for the One Day International series against New Zealand. 

Read More: BCCI breaks silence on approaching new coach to replace Gautam Gambhir in Tests

Multiple changes are expected in India's ODI squad 

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was in brilliant form during the South Africa ODI series, is also expected to be selected for the New Zealand series along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul. 

It will be interesting to see how the selectors decorate the all-round and bowling department. If the reports are to be believed, then Jasprit Bumrah can be rested for the India vs. New Zealand ODI series, as the T20 World Cup is scheduled to start in February 2026. The chances of Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also under uncertainty because of their recent performances in the particular format. 

Probable Indian squad for New Zealand ODI series: 

Shubman Gill (captain), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant/Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee made multiple bold decisions while selecting the players for the T20 World Cup 2026. The inclusion of Ishan Kishan and the omission of Shubman Gill, who was the vice-captain of Team India's T20I team, created a buzz on social media platforms. On paper, the team looked strong enough for the title race. But could it be stronger?

While Ishan Kishan's selection highlighted his recent dominating performance in domestic cricket for Jharkhand, Biju George, head of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) scouting team, opined that if the domestic performance was considered as the parameter for selection, then Anukul Roy also deserved to be in the line-up.

"If current form is the basis for selection and domestic cricket still has value, Anukul Roy deserves a place in the Indian team now. I’ve watched him closely since his U23 NCA days. He’s consistently delivered and has flown under the radar for far too long," Biju George said.

Read More: Watch: Rohit Sharma forgets time, funny clip with paparazzi goes viral

"Anukul Roy deserves a place in the Indian team now"

Jharkhand emerged as the winner of the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025) T20 tournament. Anukul Roy played a crucial role behind the team's success. He was one of the constant figures who scored runs and claimed wickets on a regular basis. As an all-rounder, Roy proved his dexterity.

During the final of the SMAT 2025, when Jharkhand was in front of Haryana, Roy added his values both with bat and ball. With the bat, the 27-year-old scored an unbeaten 40, and with the ball, his figure was 2/42. He was at his best when he got an unbeaten 95 and claimed a brace as well.

Team India World Cup squad

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Only a few days ago, IPL franchises were in Abu Dhabi for the auction to decorate their respective teams. IPL, which earned the tag 'cash-rich league,' has, over the years, evolved as one of the best stages for the youngsters.

Through this league, many cricketers got national team call-ups in the past. Which IPL team has the most number of players who are going to represent the country in the T20 World Cup? And which IPL teams have the least contributions on the basis of their current squad? Let's take a look. 

IPL 2026 teams and their players in India's T20 World Cup:

Mumbai Indians (MI): Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana. 

Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson. 

Gujarat Titans (GT): Washington Sundar.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Arshdeep Singh. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): No players in the T20 World Cup squad from RCB. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): No players in the T20 World Cup squad from LSG. 

Rajasthan Royals (RR): No players in the T20 World Cup squad from RR. 

Read More: Watch: Mumbai Indians new pick named his favorite IPL team ahead of IPL 2026 auction

India squad for T20 World Cup:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar.

India’s full schedule ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup:

1st T20I: January 21, 2026, at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur (7:00 PM IST).

2nd T20I: January 23, 2026, at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur (7:00 PM IST).

3rd T20I: January 25, 2026, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (7:00 PM IST).

4th T20I: January 28, 2026, at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam (7:00 PM IST).

5th T20I: January 31, 2026, at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (7:00 PM IST). 

Team India players who took part in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, have been fined 10% of their match fees. The ICC imposed the penalty after India failed to maintain the required over-rate during the match. Since the team finished two overs short, the slow over-rate ruling was automatically applied.

The Indians accepted the sanction without dispute, as KL Rahul pleaded guilty right away. This meant that the process ended quickly, with no requirement for a formal hearing. The ICC stated in its release, "Rahul pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Rod Tucker and Rohan Pandit, third umpire Sam Nogajski and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal leveled the charge."

According to Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and support staff, teams are fined 5% of their match fee for every over they fall short. As India were two overs behind, each player was fined 10 percent of their match fee.

India Fall Short in Raipur Thriller as South Africa Clinches Victory

The Raipur ODI turned into a high-scoring nail-biter, with South Africa chasing down a huge 359-run target in the final over. A brilliant century by Aiden Markram guided the chase, and left the Indian bowlers struggling in wet and dewy conditions.

See Also: “Man, I need…”- Jemimah Rodrigues’ cryptic post goes viral after Smriti Mandhana cancels wedding with Palash Muchhal

KL Rahul explained the challenges after the game, saying, "Not really a [tough one to swallow] given how much dew there is and how difficult it is to bowl in the second innings. Thought we did well in the last game. Today the umpires were nice to change the ball. Toss plays a big role so I'm kicking myself (laughs). There is always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but that has been the chat in the dressing room even after the last game about how we can get the extra 20-25 runs to give bowlers a cushion with the wet ball."

IND vs SA 2nd ODI Match Preview:

India will lock horns with South Africa in the second ODI match of the three-match ODI series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. The Men in Blue took a lead of 1-0 with a dominant performance. Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century in this match.

South Africa had a disastrous start in their chase, losing three of their top-order batsmen within five overs. Their middle-order batsmen fought well but couldn’t hit the target and lost the match by 17 runs. The visitor has recently experienced victory in the Test series. If the Proteas show good discipline in the second match, the upcoming contest is expected to be even more exciting.

Recent Performance: 

IND vs SA 2nd ODI Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: South Africa Tour of India, 2025
• Match: IND vs SA 2nd ODI
• Date: 3 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 01:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, India
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Sony Sports TEN Network, Jio Hotstar & Fancode

Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to be favourable during this match. There is no possibility of rain. The temperature is expected to reach around 24.6°C. A total of 1 ODI match was played at this venue between India and New Zealand in 2023. NZ was bowled out for 108, and India successfully chased down the total. In T20 and IPL games, the surface is generally supportive of batters.

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, India Stats: 

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium pitch favours the batters. Winning the toss and opting to bat will be a wise decision on this surface.      

IND vs SA 2nd ODI Playing 11

India (IND) Probable 11:

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Tilak Verma, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul (C & WK), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.

South Africa (SA) Probable 11:

Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton/Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Prenelan Subrayen/Keshav Maharaj.

IND vs SA- Top Picks from IND

IND vs SA- Top Picks from SA

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Virat Kohli (IND) smashed 135 off 120 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and 7 sixes. He will be a must own pick for this match.
• Marco Jansen (SA) was among the top performers in the last game. He will be a valuable pick for this match.
• Matthew Breetzke (SA) was the leading run scorer against India. He will be a good pick for Captain and Vice captain.
• Rohit Sharma (IND) is an explosive batsman. In the last match, he had hit three sixes during his innings of 57 runs.

IND vs SA Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND vs SA Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

India is expected to win this match. They have a strong batting lineup. Additionally, they have the advantage of playing on their home ground.

IND vs SA 2nd ODI, 2025 FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND vs SA match today?

India (IND) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

India.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND vs SA Dream11 team?

Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, C Bosch, K Yadav and Virat Kohli 

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface favours the pacers, and we can expect an average score range between 250 and 270 runs.

The South Africans pulled off a stunning 30-run win over India in a low-scoring thriller at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Chasing a modest target of 124 runs, India witnessed a dramatic batting collapse and were bowled out for just 93 on the third day. This was also South Africa's first Test triumph on Indian soil in 15 years.

But the match kept on being closely fought from the very beginning as momentum kept shifting. South Africa, after winning the toss, batted first but were bowled out for 159. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah came up with an excellent spell of 5/27 to give the hosts early control in the game. India replied with 189 in the first innings, managing to take a slender 30-run lead, with KL Rahul's composed 39 the highest score. Offspinner Simon Harmer was the standout performer for South Africa with 4/30.

Temba Bavuma played an unbeaten captain's knock of 55 to ensure stiff resistance for South Africa in the third innings. Eventually, the visitors got bowled out for 153, setting India a target of 124. However, India’s chase fell apart quickly as wickets tumbled one after another, struggling against the accuracy and turn produced by the South African spinners, especially Harmer, who picked four more wickets for just 21 runs.

Simon Harmer’s 8 wickets in the match helped South Africa win the game

The win for South Africa showed their fightback, having lost the first innings by 30 runs before they chased down a small target. Simon Harmer was the star of the match, ending with superb match figures of 8 wickets and taking apart India's batting in both innings. Adding to the woes, Indian skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt to a neck injury while batting in the first innings, which meant they were one batter short in the second innings. 

See Also: IND vs SA: BCCI's latest update on Shubman Gill’s neck injury after hospitalisation in Kolkata test

Washington Sundar showed some fight with a 31-run knock. For South Africa, Bavuma was the only one to bat well in the second innings to help get their team over 100. While Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets on Day 2, Kuldeep Yadav also took a couple of important wickets. but India couldn’t handle the pressure as South Africa completed a memorable win inside three days and now leads the series 1-0.

Fans reacted to India’s 30-run loss in the Kolkata Test by sharing funny memes on X (Twitter). Here are some of the best memes:

From sledging to hugging on your defeat 💀👀

#SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/GdzUWj28Ks

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) November 16, 2025

ICT fans after seeing the team is losing even the easy matches now.#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/EbHor82iI3

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) November 16, 2025

South Africa beat India by 30 runs to go 1-0 up in the series

Erippuk @GautamGambhir#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/zbBQozqJhr

— 𝓜𝓲𝓬𝓱𝓪𝑒𝓵  (@Rolex8170) November 16, 2025

GG era 🥲After 15 years we lost to SA in India and not able to chase the low target 😭

#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Uwp8MkZLco

— V I P E R (@VIPERoffl) November 16, 2025

- Lost NZ series and put all the blame on Rohit Sharma
- Lost Sl series
- Lost BGT
- Lost ODI Series vs Aus
- Played politics with Rohit and virat and silently diverted all the hate towards gill &
- Today after 15 years SA won a match lm indian soil

Ruined my beautiful ICT 💔. pic.twitter.com/HDx3wy6zbb

— Roesque (@LVR_HYPER09) November 16, 2025

Temba Bavuma after beating India :#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/X3SSxHgUvN

— 🅰️ J (@EHuman0) November 16, 2025

south africa didn't beat india - karma did. pic.twitter.com/ROns4F1ANW

— desi sigma (@desisigma) November 16, 2025

What will be your next excuse for this never ending defeat series 🧐😒

#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/ZZ7RuGVQ5E

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) November 16, 2025

Bavuma gets the final laugh

What a game, and what a captain’s knock.

Give the man his due

South Africa won test in india after 15 years #INDvSA #INDvsSApic.twitter.com/Yfj8VXH2eG

— Ash (@Ashsay_) November 16, 2025

They trolled him for his height
Action speaks Louder than Words🔥.

Team India failed to chase 123 against South Africa! 🤯🥶

#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/PU6RXkGgCH

— ALii ツ (@ALii__313) November 16, 2025

Indian captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens after suffering a neck injury. The update came ahead of Day 3, confirming that Gill will not continue in the match and will remain under medical observation.

The BCCI issued an official statement: “Captain Shubman Gill had a neck injury on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day’s play. He is currently under observation in the hospital. He will take no further part in the Test match. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team.”

Bowling coach Morne Morkel said that Gill’s injury was unlikely due to workload and might have come from “a bad night’s sleep.” He also said Gill is very fit and always careful with his training. Earlier visuals from Day 2 showed Gill doing neck-loosening exercises before play, but he was still seen wincing in pain while trying to move his neck.

How the Incident Happened on the Field

The incident took place during the first session on Day 2. On the fifth ball of the 35th over, Gill played a clean sweep shot off Simon Harmer over backward square for four. However, right after playing the shot, he clutched his neck in visible discomfort and struggled to stand straight.

See Also: Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction

The team physio attended to him immediately, but with his neck stiff and movement restricted, Gill decided to walk off and retire hurt after scoring four off three balls. He did not take the field for the rest of the day, and Rishabh Pant led the side as the stand-in captain.

After the day’s play, Gill was taken out of the stadium on a stretcher with a neck brace and admitted to the hospital. His father, Lakhwinder Gill, along with the team doctor, stayed by his side. Gill has faced neck issues before, having missed matches in 2024 due to similar problems.

IND vs SA Test Series, 2025 Match Preview:

India will face South Africa in the first test match. Team India recently won their previous test series against the Caribbean team by 2-0. On the other hand, South Africa had a great time in this format. The Proteas defeated the Aussies in the previous WTC cycle and lifted their first ICC Trophy.

In the ongoing WTC cycle, they played two games against Pakistan, winning one and losing the other. They sit in fourth place with 12 points. Team India won 5 out of 7 matches in this cycle and holds third place. In this match, both teams will aim to strengthen their positions in the WTC table.

Recent Performance:

Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Test Series, 2025
• Match: IND vs SA Match 1
• Date: 14 Nov. 2025
• Match Start Time: 09:30 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar app.

Head-to-Head Stats:

IND vs SA Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to be favourable during this match. The temperature is expected to reach around 25.3°C. Based on previous Test Matches stats, the pitch offers good assistance to bowlers on the first day, and as the match progresses, batting becomes easier.

Eden Garden, Kolkata Stats: 

The Eden Garden pitch is a batting-friendly pitch, providing opportunities to batsmen. However, it assists pacers on the first two days; winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

IND vs SA Probable Playing 11

India (IND) Probable 11:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Lokesh Rahul(WK), 3. Sai Sudharsan, 4. Shubman Gill(C), 5. Rishabh Pant(WK), 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Akash Deep, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Mohammed Siraj

South Africa (SA) Probable 11:

1. Aiden Markram, 2. Ryan Rickelton(WK), 3. Temba Bavuma(C), 4. Dewald Brevis, 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. Kyle Verreynne(WK), 7. Senuran Muthusamy, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Simon Harmer, 10. Corbin Bosch, 11. Keshav Maharaj

IND vs SA Top Picks from IND

IND vs SA Top Picks from SA

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Corbin Bosch(SA) is currently in excellent form with both bat and ball. He will be a good pick for this match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) played a brilliant innings of 175 runs against WI and also played good knocks in the Ranji Trophy. He is expected to play a good knock at Eden Gardens as well.

Ravindra Jadeja (IND) is an experienced all-rounder. In this WTC cycle, his batting average is above 60, highlighting his capabilities.  

Marco Jansen (SA) has proved to be a game-changer for the Proteas. The all-rounder can trouble the Indian batters.

IND vs SA Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND vs SA Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

IND is expected to win this match. IND won their previous series against WI and drew a series against England, which boosted their morale. Moreover, the Indian team has a strong record in their home conditions.  

IND vs SA 1st Test FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND vs SA match today?

IND (IND) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Team India

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND vs SA Dream11 team?

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is batting-friendly, and we can expect a score range between 300 and 330 runs.

Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir offered prayers at the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata before the start of the first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens. The much-awaited Test will begin on November 14, marking the start of a two-match series between India and the newly crowned World Test Champions. Gambhir’s temple visit showed his belief and hope for a successful start as India prepares to face a tough South African side.

India kicked off their home season with a comfortable 2-0 win over the West Indies, but this series against South Africa is going to be much tougher. The Proteas have a strong bowling attack and talented batters, which means India will need to give their best performance to win. Fans are eagerly waiting for the return of Test cricket at Eden Gardens, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate supporters.

A video of Gambhir at the Kalighat Temple has been shared widely on social media. Many fans appreciated the coach’s spiritual side before such an important series. His arrival has created a calmness and concentration for his team as they prepare for their eagerly awaited game in Kolkata.

Gambhir Shares Thoughts on Coaching and Team Communication

In an interview recently published on BCCI.tv, Gambhir discussed his position as a coach and the issues that he deals with as a coach. He mentioned that one of the hardest parts of coaching is telling a player that he won’t be part of the playing XI. Quoted by Cricbuzz, Gambhir said:

“If you tell someone that he's not playing, that's probably the toughest conversation for a coach and a player as well because I know that the player would get upset when he deserves to be part of the playing XI. But if you're honest, if you're straightforward, if you know that what you're saying is from your heart and there is nothing beyond that, I feel that some players do understand. And it's a communication between a player and a coach.”

Watch the video here

Gautam Gambhir visits Kalighat Temple. ❤️pic.twitter.com/6nqVyzy5CN

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 11, 2025

See Also: Team India likely to change opening pair in IND vs SA ODI series, Shubman Gill can lose his place

Before the main Test series, the India A vs South Africa A games ended in a 1-1 draw. India A won the first match, but the visitors chased 417 runs in the second to level the series. After the two Tests, both teams will play three ODIs and three T20Is, completing a full cricket tour. With Gambhir leading from the front, Team India will aim to start their home season on a high note at Eden Gardens.

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.

See Also: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

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.