Rishabh Pant Set to Return for South Africa Tests, Selection Committee Confirms Inclusion

November 5, 2025

New Delhi: Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to make his comeback to the Indian Test team for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

According to sources, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee met virtually on Wednesday, where Pant’s return was confirmed. The official announcement of the squad is expected in the next few days.

Comeback After Foot Fracture

Pant, 28, missed the 2-0 Test series against the West Indies earlier this year as he continued recovery from a foot fracture sustained during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July.

He is now set to replace wicketkeeper-batter N. Jagadeesan, which is likely to be the only change to the squad that played against the West Indies.

Proved Fitness in India: A Victory

Pant demonstrated both his fitness and form by captaining India A in their recent four-day fixture against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru.

In that match, Pant scored a crucial 90 runs in the second innings, guiding India A to a thrilling chase of 275 and sealing victory.

Other Squad Updates

For the second India A vs South Africa A match starting Thursday, Kuldeep Yadav — released from India’s T20I squad after the third match in Hobart — will feature as part of the side.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill (Test captain), Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar will join the Test team after the final T20I in Brisbane on November 8.

Series Schedule and WTC Context

• 1st Test: November 14–18 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• 2nd Test: November 22–26 at ACA Stadium, Guwahati — which will host its first-ever Test match

India currently stand third on the World Test Championship (WTC) table with 61.90% points, while South Africa are fifth with 50%, following a 1-1 draw in Pakistan.

After the Tests, both teams will also play a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series, while the A teams will contest a three-match 50-over series in Rajkot later this month.