Mumbai: India have announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa, set to begin on November 14. The series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
Shubman Gill to Lead; Pant Named Vice-Captain
Young batting star Shubman Gill has been appointed captain for the series, while Rishabh Pant makes his much-awaited return to Test cricket as the team’s vice-captain. Pant, who missed the England and West Indies series earlier this year due to a foot injury, is back to full fitness and ready to don the gloves again.
India’s 15-Member Test Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (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
Pant and Akash Deep Return
Pant replaces N Jagadeesan in the squad, while pacer Akash Deep comes back into the fold in place of Prasidh Krishna, who was part of the West Indies series. Akash Deep’s recent domestic performances have earned him another opportunity at the highest level.
The selectors have also rewarded emerging talents Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, alongside mainstays Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
India’s WTC Journey So Far
India began the 2025–27 WTC cycle with a thrilling 2–2 draw against England away from home before registering a 2–0 clean sweep over the West Indies at home last month. The upcoming Tests against South Africa offer another chance to consolidate their position on the WTC points table.
India vs South Africa Test Series Schedule
First Test: November 14–18, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Second Test: November 22–26, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
What to Expect
With a blend of youth and experience, the Gill-led Indian side will look to maintain their dominant home record against South Africa. Pant’s return adds firepower to the batting and stability behind the stumps, while Bumrah and Siraj spearhead a formidable pace attack.
Summary
The return of Rishabh Pant and the rise of Shubman Gill as captain mark a new chapter in Indian Test cricket. With a balanced squad and home advantage, India will aim to strengthen their World Test Championship campaign against a competitive South African side.
