Preparations for India’s Test series against South Africa suffered a blow as several key players had a tough outing in the India A versus South Africa A match in Bengaluru. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan failed to make an impact, and Pant was further hampered by an untimely injury before his dismissal. At the National Cricket Ground of Excellence, India A’s batting crumbled, losing half their side for just 86 runs, with all top five batsmen struggling.

KL Rahul, who appeared in good touch, managed only 19 runs before his wicket fell. Abhimanyu Easwaran departed for a duck, while Sai Sudharsan ground out 52 balls for a mere 17 runs. Devdutt Padikkal also disappointed, contributing just 5 runs. Skipper Pant displayed intent with three fours and a six, but in the 26th over, a delivery from Moreki struck his hand, leaving him in clear pain and forcing on-field treatment. Unfortunately, Pant was dismissed on the next ball.

With most of these players slated to play against South Africa in the upcoming Test series (except Abhimanyu Easwaran), their performance raises concerns about form and fitness. Rishabh Pant’s return to international cricket is especially significant after his injury during the England tour. Meanwhile, his possible alternative, Dhruv Jurel, recently impressed by scoring a century against the West Indies.

Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), 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.