IND-A vs SA-A 2nd unofficial Test preview: More game time on offer for Indians before main event against the Proteas
The ‘A’ tours that countries embark on are like shadow sojourns. Shadow, because these teams are filled with National-team aspirants and players who mirror the qualities of the nation’s first-choice XI, with the expectation being that they are ready to jump in when the eventual call-up comes.However, the second of the two multi-day matches between India-A versus South Africa-A, which commences at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in the city outskirts on Thursday, appears to have deviated from this norm.It looks like a main event in itself, for the Indian roster has as many as eight members from the Test squad that will take on South Africa in the two-match Test series from November 14. The visiting party has in its ranks the World Test Championship-winning captain Temba Bavuma. The hope is now for the on-field action to match the quality on paper.India-A won the exciting first tie by three wickets, with off-spinner Tanush Kotian finishing with a match-haul of eight wickets (four for 83 and four for 26). But the biggest positive was the return of Rishabh Pant, who had been out of action with a foot injury since the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July.The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter made a typically brisk second-innings 90 and kept wickets, thus announcing his readiness for the rigours of five-day cricket. Another game before the first Test in Kolkata against the Proteas will be useful to sharpen his skills further.The likes of B. Sai Sudharsan – who opened the batting in last week’s contest – and Devdutt Padikkal – who played at No. 3 – will look for some runs after accounting for just 55 across both innings.The South Africa-A side isn’t as heavily loaded as the Indians’, but Bavuma’s return after a two-month injury lay-off will be keenly watched. Conditions wise, only Bengaluru’s unusually warm weather might imitate Kolkata’s.Published on Nov 05, 2025
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