Rishabh Pant to lead India A vs South Africa A in four-dayer (ANI) Bengaluru: It couldn’t be busier times in Indian cricket. In addition to the Women’s World Cup and the Men’s Series in Australia, at least two dozen matches across age and gender categories are played on the home circuit. Add to that the ‘A’ tour of South Africa – a prelude to the India-South Africa series later this month – comprising two Tests, three ODIs and five T20s, and it’s a calendar of plenty. But it’s not all good. While the four-day matches of India ‘A’ Vs. South Africa ‘A’, who start here at the BCCI Center of Excellence on Thursday, provide a platform for players returning from injury and those looking for some red-ball game time, others have very little to gain, especially in terms of timing.
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After the two Test matches against South Africa – for which most players would have picked themselves – India’s next red-ball game is the two-Test away series against Sri Lanka in August next year. But the ‘A’ series matches mean that several Ranji Trophy teams have been stripped of key players for two to three matches. In some cases, it took the shine off the state teams. If it was just a question of playing time, players who needed it could play in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. And for those not making the playing XI for the ‘A’ series, it’s just a sheer waste of time.DESIGNS AND GAME TIME The Indian side in both the ‘A’ matches will be led by Rishabh Pant, who returns from a three-month layoff due to injury that kept him out of the recently concluded home series against West Indies. Pant, who broke his leg during the fourth Test against England in June, spent a lot of time in the rehabilitation facility at the CoE. These matches are crucial for him and the 28-year-old will be looking to get runs and game time at a bat-friendly venue against a bowling attack that is largely lacking in experience on paper. Other Indian Test stalwarts who will be seen in action in the first match are Devdutt Padikkal and N Jagadeesan along with top batsman Sai Sudharsan who has been named as Pant’s deputy. KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Dhruv Jurel will join the squad for the second match at the same venue from November 6. Talking about the ‘A’ tour matches, Sudharsan said, “It’s an opportunity like always. The India ‘A’ matches are very important and we are lucky to have them just before the main series. We will take it as a big opportunity to understand the conditions and plan accordingly.” Batsman Marques Ackerman will lead the visitors while Test captain Temba Bavuma, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is expected to join the squad for the second match.
