The stage is set for a compelling showdown as India welcomes South Africa for a two-Test cricket series, kicking off at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on November 14, 2025. But the biggest headline-grabber isn’t just the clash between two cricketing giants—it’s the triumphant return of Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, who reclaims his spot as vice-captain after a grueling injury layoff. For cricket fans across the world, Pant’s comeback injects a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation into a series already brimming with high stakes.
Pant’s journey back to the Indian Test squad has been nothing short of inspirational. The 28-year-old suffered a serious foot injury during the Manchester Test against England back in July, when a delivery from Chris Woakes forced him off the field and out of action for months. His absence was keenly felt as India navigated a tough five-Test series in England, where, before his injury, Pant had dazzled with 479 runs in just four matches—an impressive haul featuring two centuries and three half-centuries. His average for the year stands at a remarkable 64.44, underscoring his value as one of India’s premier Test performers.
The road to recovery took Pant to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he worked tirelessly to regain full fitness. His return to competitive cricket came at the helm of India A in an unofficial Test against South Africa A, played from October 30 to November 2 in Bengaluru. The match was a test of both skill and resilience: Pant managed just 17 runs in the first innings but roared back with a crucial 90 off 113 balls in the second. His efforts powered India A to a three-wicket victory, cementing his readiness for the senior squad and reassuring selectors and fans alike that he’s lost none of his trademark grit.
Now, Pant steps back into the vice-captain’s role under skipper Shubman Gill, reprising the leadership partnership that saw India through the England tour. According to the official squad announcement by the BCCI on November 5, Pant’s return means Dhruv Jurel—who impressed with a maiden century against the West Indies—will serve as the second-choice wicketkeeper. There’s little debate about Pant’s place in the lineup, given his match-winning prowess and the leadership qualities he’s displayed, both as a stand-in captain and as Gill’s trusted deputy.
India’s 15-member Test squad is a blend of experience and fresh talent. Alongside Gill and Pant, the roster features 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, and Akash Deep. Notably, Axar Patel returns to the Test fold after last playing in 2024, while Akash Deep is back after missing the recent West Indies series. Kuldeep Yadav, released early from the T20 tour of Australia, will bring his wrist-spin expertise to the home pitches.
Yet, the selection process hasn’t been without controversy. Senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami, despite a strong showing in the Ranji Trophy—including a five-wicket haul in Bengal’s 141-run win over Gujarat—remains on the sidelines. Shami’s childhood coach, Mohammed Badruddin, recently declared, “Shami is back in his old rhythm that made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world.” The omission has sparked debate among cricket pundits and fans, especially as Shami himself insists he’s fully fit and ready to contribute. Karun Nair, who struck scores of 174 not out and 233 in recent Ranji matches, is another notable absentee, dropped after a modest England tour.
Changes in the squad also see Pant replacing N Jagadeesan, while Akash Deep comes in for Prasidh Krishna. These moves suggest the selectors are keen to field a team that balances current form with proven Test credentials. Dhruv Jurel, though expected to make way for Pant, remains a valuable squad member after his breakthrough series against the West Indies.
India’s challenge is formidable. South Africa arrives as the reigning World Test Champions, fresh from a hard-fought 1-1 series draw in Pakistan. With captain Temba Bavuma returning to full strength, the Proteas are poised to test India’s mettle on home soil. The significance of this series isn’t lost on anyone: it’s India’s first home Test series against a top-tier opposition since their shocking 3-0 loss to New Zealand in 2024. The wounds from that defeat still linger, making this contest an opportunity for redemption and a litmus test for Gill’s leadership.
The series schedule promises high-octane cricket. The first Test runs from November 14 to 18 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. These matches will be followed by a three-match ODI series and five T20Is, ensuring fans are treated to weeks of top-class international cricket.
Meanwhile, India A’s squad for the concurrent one-day series against South Africa A features a new generation of talent. Tilak Varma leads the side, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as vice-captain. The team includes Ishan Kishan, the T20I world No. 1 batter Abhishek Sharma, and a host of promising youngsters. Prasidh Krishna, omitted from the Test squad, will spearhead the bowling attack for India A, while the squad’s composition hints at a future pipeline brimming with potential.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Kolkata, anticipation is sky-high. Will Pant’s return spark a resurgence for India, or will South Africa’s champion pedigree prevail? The only certainty is that the action will be fierce, and every session could swing the momentum. With both teams boasting depth and star power, this series has all the makings of a modern classic.
With just days to go before the first ball is bowled, the spotlight remains firmly on Rishabh Pant. His comeback story, marked by determination and resilience, has already captured the imagination of fans. Now, it’s time to see if he can translate that momentum into match-winning performances on the grandest stage. One thing’s for sure: as the Eden Gardens crowd roars and the world watches, Test cricket is set for a blockbuster return.
