Selectors show faith in Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper returns for South Africa Test series

Rishabh Pant has been recalled to India’s Test squad for the South Africa series, marking a crucial step in his comeback journey after a lengthy injury layoff.

Rishabh Pant (Image | BCCI on X)

After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Rishabh Pant has made a strong comeback to the Indian Test team for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, starting November 14 in Kolkata. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter replaces N Jagadeesan, who had been part of the recent squads, signaling the selectors’ renewed faith in Pant’s readiness and match fitness.

A confident return after testing times

Pant’s inclusion marks an important milestone in his journey back to the international arena after suffering a serious injury that kept him out of action for several months. His strong showing for India A against South Africa A, where he scored a fluent 90 in the second innings, convinced selectors that he was fully fit and ready to resume his place behind the stumps.

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The return of Pant is not just about filling a position, it’s about reinstating one of India’s most aggressive and game-changing cricketers in red-ball cricket. Known for his fearless batting and sharp glovework, Pant’s presence adds balance to a side that already features Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. The team will be led by Gill, with Bumrah acting as vice-captain for the series.

The series also holds historical significance as Guwahati prepares to host its first-ever Test match, adding a fresh chapter to India’s home cricketing landscape.

India Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), 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

Where to watch the match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, 1st Test on November 14 on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

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