At the helm of India A is the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter 
Rishabh Pant, marking his long-awaited return to competitive cricket after a two-month injury layoff.
In a much-anticipated development for Indian cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the India A squads for the upcoming two four-day matches against South Africa A.
Set to be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, these unofficial Tests beginning October 30 promise to be a crucial preparatory ground for both teams ahead of the senior squads’ high-stakes series in November.
Pant, who suffered a fractured foot during India’s Test series against England earlier this year, will lead the side in both encounters.
His inclusion as captain not only signals his recovery but also underscores the selectors’ faith in his leadership potential, especially with the senior team’s Test series against South Africa looming.
Vice-captain duties fall to the in-form Sai Sudharsan, who retains his spot across both squads.
- Squad Breakdown: A Blend of Youth and Experience
- India A Squad for the 1st Four-Day Match Led by Rishabh Pant (October 30 – November 2, 2025):
- India A Squad for the 2nd Four-Day Match (November 5 – 8, 2025):
- Rishabh Pant's Comeback: A Game-Changer for India A
- Rishabh Pant : Preparation for the Senior Series
- What to Expect in Bengaluru
Squad Breakdown: A Blend of Youth and Experience
The BCCI has opted for distinct line-ups for each match, allowing a broader pool of players to gain invaluable red-ball exposure.
The first game features a mix of emerging talents and domestic stalwarts, while the second incorporates several senior team regulars joining post their commitments in the ongoing ODI series against Australia.
India A Squad for the 1st Four-Day Match Led by Rishabh Pant (October 30 – November 2, 2025):
- Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Ayush Mhatre
- N Jagdeesan (Wicketkeeper)
- Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar
- Harsh Dubey
- Tanush Kotian
- Manav Suthar
- Anshul Kamboj
- Yash Thakur
- Ayush Badoni
- Saransh Jain
This squad emphasizes domestic performers, with young openers like Ayush Mhatre and the technically sound Devdutt Padikkal setting the tone at the top.
Middle-order anchors Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan bring consistency, while all-rounders like Ayush Badoni and Harsh Dubey add depth.
The bowling attack, led by the experienced Yash Thakur and the promising left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, is tailored for the spin-friendly Bengaluru pitch.
In a late twist, pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar have been added to this squad, bolstering the seam options and providing Pant with more tactical flexibility.
India A Squad for the 2nd Four-Day Match (November 5 – 8, 2025):
- Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- KL Rahul
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Harsh Dubey
- Tanush Kotian
- Manav Suthar
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Gurnoor Brar
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
The second match ramps up the star power, with KL Rahul and Ruturaj Gaikwad injecting international pedigree into the batting line-up.
Rahul, fresh from the Australia ODIs, could open alongside Padikkal, while Gaikwad’s elegant strokeplay will be key in the middle order.
Abhimanyu Easwaran adds solidity as a reserve opener.
On the bowling front, it’s a pace-heavy assault:
Mohammed Siraj’s express bounce, Prasidh Krishna’s height advantage, and Akash Deep’s accuracy, complemented by the spin duo of Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar.
Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm swing rounds out a potent attack.
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback: A Game-Changer for India A
Rishabh Pant’s appointment as captain is the headline story here.
The 28-year-old southpaw, known for his audacious counter-attacking style, last played a half-century in the drawn fourth Test against England at Manchester—ironically, the injury venue that sidelined him.
Missing the Asia Cup 2025 and the home Test series against West Indies (which India won 2-0),
Pant’s return is timed perfectly for these ‘A’ games, serving as a low-pressure ramp-up to the senior team’s two-Test series against South Africa starting November 14.
Under Pant’s dynamic leadership, India A could adopt an aggressive approach, testing South Africa’s resolve on turning tracks.
His glovework behind the stumps will also be under scrutiny, as Dhruv Jurel provides strong backup in the second match.
Rishabh Pant : Preparation for the Senior Series
These four-day fixtures are more than just ‘A’ team skirmishes—they’re a strategic bridge to the main event.
With India hosting South Africa for two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, the ‘A’ series allows players to acclimatize to subcontinental conditions.
South Africa A, led by Marques Ackerman, arrives with their own ambitions, including Test skipper Temba Bavuma in the second match as he shakes off an injury.
New call-ups like Kyle Simmonds and Delano Potgieter highlight CSA’s focus on spin and all-round depth, essential for Indian pitches.
For India, it’s an opportunity for fringe players like Padikkal, Patidar, and Easwaran to stake claims for the senior squad, especially with rotation likely in the white-ball legs.
The subsequent three ODIs against South Africa A in Rajkot (November 11-15) will further intensify the tour.
What to Expect in Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence typically offers balanced tracks that reward patience early and spin later, making these matches ideal for endurance-building.
Weather forecasts predict clear skies, ensuring uninterrupted play.
While live streaming details are pending, fans can follow ball-by-ball updates on BCCI.tv and cricket apps.
As Pant straps on the pads once more, India A eyes a confident start. In the words of BCCI’s statement, this series is about “pushing the boundaries of potential.”
For emerging talents and returning heroes alike, the stage is set for red-ball redemption. Stay tuned—these four days could redefine journeys to the big league.
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