Cricket fans have something special to look forward to as India A take on South Africa A in the first of two unofficial Test matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting Thursday, October 30. The four-day contest marks the highly anticipated return of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to competitive cricket after a two-month layoff due to a toe fracture sustained during the England tour earlier this year.

Rishabh Pant Makes His Comeback as Captain

All eyes will be on Pant, who walks into the India A setup not just as a player but as captain—a role that adds another dimension to his return. The 27-year-old last played competitive cricket during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy (India's tour of England) in July 2025, where he fractured his toe while batting in the fourth Test. Since then, he's been working on his rehabilitation and fitness, and this series provides the perfect platform to regain match sharpness ahead of the home Test series against South Africa's senior team starting November 14.

Pant's return is crucial not just for India A but for the national team as well. With KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel competing for the wicketkeeper-batter spot in the senior side, Pant needs to prove his fitness and form to reclaim his position as India's first-choice keeper in red-ball cricket.

Squad Composition: A Mix of Experience and Youth The India A squad features an intriguing blend of established domestic performers and exciting young talent:

India A Squad: Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), N Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ayush Badoni, Anshul Kamboj, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Yash Thakur, Manav Suthar, Ayush Mhatre, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed

Key Players to Watch:

Sai Sudharsan: The Tamil Nadu left-hander, who has cemented himself as India's No. 3 in Tests with 273 runs in five matches, will be eager to build on his recent form and confidence.

Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar: Both Karnataka batters are looking to stake their claim for higher honors with strong performances.

Anshul Kamboj: The pace-bowling all-rounder recently made headlines with a 10-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy and will be keen to impress at the A-level.

Ayush Mhatre: The 17-year-old Under-19 sensation could make his India A debut, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian batting.

On the bowling front, pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Gurnoor Brar will aim to show they belong in the Test setup, while the spin trio of Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey will provide insight into India's next generation of red-ball tweakers.

South Africa A Squad: Marques Ackerman (captain), Zubayr Hamza, Jason Smith, Rubin Hermann (wicketkeeper), Lesego Senokwane, Kyle Simmonds, Codi Yusuf, Tshepo Moreki, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Mihlali Mpongwana, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Okuhle Cele, Tiaan van Vuuren, Jordan Hermann

The Proteas' A side features experienced campaigners like Zubayr Hamza and captain Marques Ackerman, along with promising fast bowler Tshepo Moreki, who has impressed in domestic cricket.

Match Details

Detail Information

Match India A vs South Africa A, 1st Unofficial Test

Dates October 30 – November 2, 2025 (Thursday to Sunday)

Venue BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru

Toss Time 8:30 AM IST Match Start Time 9:00 AM IST / 9:30 AM IST (play begins)

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

In India: Live Telecast: The match will NOT be telecast on any TV channel in India

Live Streaming: Available exclusively on JioHotstar app and website

Live Scores: BCCI official website and mobile app

Why No TV Broadcast? India A matches are typically not televised as they're considered developmental fixtures, but the BCCI has made them accessible via digital streaming to allow fans to follow rising stars and returning players like Pant.

Context: Preparation for the Big Series This two-match unofficial Test series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the senior India vs South Africa Test series scheduled to begin on November 14 in Kolkata. For India, it's an opportunity to test bench strength, give fringe players red-ball exposure, and assess returning players like Pant.

For South Africa, it's a chance to acclimatize to Indian conditions—particularly the spin-friendly tracks at the BCCI Centre of Excellence—and fine-tune their strategies before facing the formidable Indian senior side led by Rohit Sharma.

The second unofficial Test will also be played at the same venue from November 6-9, with senior players like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Ishan Kishan expected to join the squad for that match.

What to Expect

Spin-friendly conditions: The BCCI CoE pitch traditionally favors spinners, so expect the likes of Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, and Manav Suthar to play pivotal roles.

Pant's fitness test: Beyond runs, fans will watch how Pant moves behind the stumps, handles the spinners, and manages the workload over four days.

Young guns on display: With the IPL mega auction and senior team selection on the horizon, performances here could open doors for several players.

The stage is set for an exciting four days of cricket. Rishabh Pant is back, and Indian cricket is watching closely.