The BCCI Men’s selection committee has announced India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, marking the return of Rishabh Pant to red-ball cricket. Pant, who had been sidelined due to a toe fracture suffered during the IND vs ENG Test in Manchester, resumes his role as vice-captain.
Shubman Gill continues as captain as India prepare to host South Africa in Kolkata on November 14 and Guwahati on November 22 under the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
The squad retains its core from the recent England and West Indies assignments, where India drew 2-2 in England before sweeping West Indies 2-0 at home under Gill’s leadership.
Top-order combination continues
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will continue to open, maintaining the right-left pairing that has been consistent in the current WTC cycle. Sai Sudharsan retains his place and is expected to bat at number three, followed by Gill at number four and Pant at number five. Devdutt Padikkal adds further competition in the middle order, while Dhruv Jurel returns as wicketkeeping back-up.
Spin-all-round strength stays intact
India’s spin-all-round setup remains strong with Ravindra Jadeja leading the group. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel provide depth, with Jadeja and Sundar likely being the primary spin-all-round combination.
Pace attack led by Bumrah-Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj continue as India’s frontline pace options. Akash Deep, part of the England tour earlier, remains in contention as a developing fast-bowling option, offering depth and flexibility.
South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, arrive as a formidable opponent despite historically mixed results in India. The Proteas have won five and lost eleven of their 19 Tests in the country.
Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami remains out of selection despite strong form in the Ranji Trophy.
India’s 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
