Bengaluru – All eyes were on Rishabh Pant as India A took on South Africa A on Day 2 of the first Unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Pant, making a comeback after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the India vs. England Test series in July, led India A after winning the toss on Day 1 and electing to field.
South Africa A ended Day 1 at 299/9, with India A's spinners making a comeback after a strong start from the visitors. Tanush Kotian led the bowling attack with figures of 4/83, supported by Manav Suthar who took 2/62. South Africa A's innings was built around half-centuries from Jordan Hermann (71), Zubayr Hamza (66), and Rubin Hermann (54).
Pant's return to the field was marked by his energetic presence and sharp wicket-keeping skills. He took a crucial catch to dismiss Zubayr Hamza off a Gurnoor Brar bouncer, ending a 130-run partnership between Hamza and Jordan Hermann. The stump mic captured Pant's infectious energy as he encouraged bowlers Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar with a mix of humor and confidence.
India A will aim to capitalize on their momentum on Day 2. The team includes young talents like Sai Sudharsan, who is the vice-captain, Ayush Mhatre, Tanush Kotian, and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Dhruv Jurel are expected to join the squad for the second game.
The focus will be on India A's batting performance, with the first innings total expected to set the tone for the match. Rishabh Pant's individual performance with the bat will also be closely watched as he looks to regain his form and rhythm.
The South Africa A squad includes players such as Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, and Jordan Hermann. The India A vs South Africa A match can be live streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
