New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, marking the return of star wicket-keeper-batter Rishabh Pant and the leadership of Shubman Gill in what appears to be a carefully balanced combination of youth and experience.
The series, beginning November 14 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by the second Test in Visakhapatnam, will be crucial for India’s ongoing World Test Championship campaign.
Pant’s Comeback Headlines Selection
After being sidelined due to an injury sustained during the India–England Test series earlier this year—where he fractured his foot at Lord’s—Rishabh Pant makes a much-anticipated return. The dynamic left-hander impressed selectors with a fluent 90 in a recent India A fixture and full fitness clearance from the NCA. His presence strengthens India’s middle order and brings energy behind the stumps. Pant has also been appointed vice-captain, highlighting the management’s faith in him as a long-term leader in red-ball cricket.
Pant has also been appointed vice-captain, underlining the management’s faith in him as a long-term leader in red-ball cricket.
New Faces and Fresh Opportunities
Among the notable inclusions is Bengal pacer Akash Deep, whose domestic consistency and ability to swing the ball both ways earned him a recall. Rising batters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal have been retained following impressive domestic and India A performances, signalling a clear investment in the next generation.
The pace unit will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep offering additional depth. The spin department looks settled, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, giving India multiple all-round options for home conditions.
Who Missed Out
While the selectors didn’t publicly mention omissions, a few names stand out. Karun Nair, who recently piled up runs in domestic cricket, once again finds himself out of the Test setup — a clear sign that the selectors are backing youth and long-term potential over experience.
Similarly, senior campaigners like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane remain on the sidelines as India’s Test squad continues its generational shift.
Another notable absentee from the squad is senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who continues to remain sidelined due to fitness concerns. Shami, a mainstay of India’s pace attack for nearly a decade, has not featured in Tests since early 2024 owing to a recurring ankle and workload issue.
The Full Squad
India Squad: Shubman Gill (c), 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.
Selectors’ Strategy: Blending Today with Tomorrow
The composition of this squad reflects India’s evolving approach to Test cricket—rewarding domestic form, managing workload for senior stars, and integrating dynamic all-rounders. With Bumrah, Jadeja, and Pant forming the spine, and young batters like Jaiswal and Sudharsan shaping the future, India appear determined to stay dominant at home while preparing for tougher overseas assignments.
As the Proteas arrive with a formidable pace attack, all eyes will be on how Gill’s men adapt to the challenge—and whether Pant’s comeback can mark the start of another memorable chapter in India’s red-ball journey.
The upcoming India–South Africa Test series will feature two matches forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle, to be played between November 14 and 26, 2025. The opening Test will be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 to 18, marking a grand start to the home season in one of India’s most historic venues known for its passionate crowds and rich red-ball legacy. The second and final Test is scheduled at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22 to 26, making it one of the first major Test appearances for the North-East venue. By taking a marquee series to a newer ground, the BCCI aims to expand the game’s reach while offering fans across regions a taste of top-flight Test cricket. The series is expected to play a crucial role in India’s World Test Championship campaign, with both teams eyeing valuable points in their quest for the 2025–27 finals.
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