3 Major Talking Points From India Squad vs South Africa

The BCCI announced a 15-man India squad for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, who are the ICC World Test Champions.

This IND vs SA Test series is part of the ICC WTC cycle 2025-27 and is of great importance for both teams. India are in their new era under Shubman Gill, who has overseen a 2-2 drawn series in England and a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies at home.

The Proteas are going strong as well. After winning the ICC WTC 2025 by beating Australia in the final at Lordâ€s, South Africa drew 1-1 in Pakistan on spin-friendly surfaces.

IND vs SA: When will the India vs South Africa Test series start?

The India vs South Africa two-match Test series will begin on November 14 in Kolkata, and the second Test will be played in Guwahati from November 22.

Let us see the three major talking points from Indiaâ€s squad for the Test series against South Africa.

IND vs SA: 3 Major Talking Points From India Squad For Test Series Against South Africa

Rishabh Pant returns. But who will he replace in the XI?

Rishabh Pant will play his first international match since suffering a foot injury in July in the Manchester Test against England. Pant replaced N. Jagadeesan in the squad.

After recovering, he led India to a terrific victory against South Africa A, top-scoring with 90 in a run chase of 275, proving both his fitness and form.

In Pantâ€s absence, Dhruv Jurel played in the 5th Test against England and in the two Tests against the West Indies, where Jurel made his chance count by playing knocks of 125 and 44.

Now, the management will have a tough choice to make with the return of Pant: does Jurel get dropped despite hitting a century, or does the management drop someone else, perhaps Nitish Kumar Reddy?

Akash Deep returns

Pacer Akash Deep also has returned to the Test squad after missing the West Indies series because of a back injury. Deep replaced Prasidh Krishna, who carried drinks during both Tests against the West Indies as India fielded a two-man pacer attack of Bumrah and Siraj, with Nitish Kumar Reddy to support.

Is this the end of Mohammed Shami in the Indian team?

This is the question that perhaps could come to the mind of Mohammed Shami too. Is his India career over?

Shami hasnâ€t played for India in any format since the ICC Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Ajit Agarkar confirmed that he was not considered for the tour of England because he hadnâ€t proven his fitness.

However, Shami has refuted his rumors regarding fitness, both with words and the ball. He played in three Ranji Trophy games for Bengal last month and picked up 15 wickets, including a five-for.

Yet, Shami has been ignored for the IND vs SA Test series. Heâ€s already 35 years old, and itâ€s rare, probably unheard of, for an Indian seamer to return to the Test fold beyond this age.

Shami said last month, “Now my rhythm is back to where it was before. I can clearly feel thereâ€s still a lot of cricket left in me.â€

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