They are on the brink of a brilliant battle between India and South Africa as the latter is about to face the former in the series of the India South Africa match. Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has also unveiled the formal lists and the timetable of the two four-day games that will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. The games signify a significant step towards the two countries, particularly to the young players who are looking to create a name in red-ball cricket.
This is not only a series of competitions but it is also a series of opportunities. To India it will be the long awaited one of the comebacks of Rishabh Pant, as well as South Africa, awaiting the inclusion of Temba Bavuma, who was their winner of the World Test Championship. The players will include young talents and experienced ones that will make both teams highly followed matches.
India vs South Africa A: Overview
The India south africa match series consists of 2 unofficial Test matches and three unofficial One-Day International (ODIs). The tour commences on October 30, 2025, and it will end on November 19, 2025. All the Test matches will be held in Bengaluru whereas the ODIs will be held in Rajkot.
In the case of India A, this series is important in instilling the future stars in international cricket. In the case of South Africa A, it is a very good opportunity to give their young team a trial in the subcontinent conditions. The series will also be the build up to the two match Test series of senior teams to be held later this year.
Rishabh Pant’s Return to Action
Rishabh Pant returns and this is one of the largest attractions of the India South Africa match series. Wicketkeeper-batter who was earlier this year hit by a foot fracture during the fourth Test against England will lead India A in both four-day matches. His coming back is a significant boost to the team because he has experience and leadership which can guide the younger plays.
The fans and even the selectors have been waiting impatiently and eagerly waiting to have Pant back, because he had been out of the latest home Test series against West Indies and Australian white-ball tour. This series will be the best place that he can shape up and get into form and rhythm before returning to the senior team.
Sai Sudharsan Named Vice-Captain
Both matches have been announced as the vice-captain of a young left-hand batter Sai Sudharsan. The leadership position has been earned by Sudharsan because of his performance in the field of domestic cricket and his maturity as a cricketer. He will also be significant in stabilizing the middle order and aiding Pant in important situations.
Key Players Joining for the Second Match
KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna are the India A regulars, who will be part of the second unofficial Test commencing November 6. They provide a mix of youth and experience to the team through their inclusion thereby providing it with experience and balance.
In the case of South Africa, Temba Bavuma will rejoin the team in the second unofficial Test that will be an added boost to their batting line up.
Complete Schedule of India South Africa A Matches 2025
The upcoming South Africa A tour of India 2025 includes two unofficial Tests and three unofficial ODIs. Below is the complete schedule with venue and timing details:
| Day | Match No. | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 2 | 1st Unofficial Test | India A vs South Africa A | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru | 09:30 AM |
| Thursday, November 6 – Sunday, November 9 | 2nd Unofficial Test | India A vs South Africa A | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru | 09:30 AM |
| Thursday, November 13 | 1st Unofficial ODI | India A vs South Africa A | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot | 01:30 PM |
| Sunday, November 16 | 2nd Unofficial ODI | India A vs South Africa A | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot | 01:30 PM |
| Wednesday, November 19 | 3rd Unofficial ODI | India A vs South Africa A | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot | 01:30 PM |
India A Squad for Unofficial Tests
The BCCI has announced slightly different squads for the two four-day matches. Rishabh Pant will captain both sides, with some changes between the first and second game.
1st Unofficial Test (October 30 – November 2)
Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagadeesan (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain
2nd Unofficial Test (November 6 – 9)
Rishabh Pant (c & wk), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
These squads reflect a mix of upcoming and established players, offering depth in both batting and bowling departments.
South Africa A Test Squad
South Africa A will arrive in India with a strong and balanced team led by Marques Ackerman. The squad includes seasoned names and rising talents, ready to adapt to Indian conditions.
South Africa A Test Squad:
Marques Ackerman (c), Temba Bavuma, Okuhle Cele, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann (wk), Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Simmonds, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jason Smith, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf
It is confirmed that Temba Bavuma will play only the second unofficial Test, as he continues to recover and regain match fitness.
South Africa A ODI Squad
For the one-day leg of the tour, South Africa has also announced a young and dynamic lineup.
South Africa A ODI Squad:
Marques Ackerman (c), Ottniel Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann (wk), Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile (wk), Jason Smith, Codi Yusuf
This team will face India A in three ODIs at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, starting November 13.
Where to Watch the India South Africa A Matches
Cricket enthusiasts can tune into the Star Sports Network to witness all the matches of the South Africa A Tour of India 2025. All five matches will be live on various sports channels of the network.
The matches will be live streamed on digital platforms JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar for those watching online. Fans can watch it via either platform on mobile devices, smart TVs, or through the respective websites, thereby ensuring that fans across the country are fully covered.
Significance of the India South Africa A Series
There are a variety of reasons that make this series valuable to each respective country. The series facilitates young players’ development in different conditions and competitions to develop their talents and skill in preparation for a professional cricket career. This series allows selectors a close look into an emerging players form and attractiveness to an international team.
For India, players like Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel can use this series to stake a claim to the senior national team. Likewise, for South Africa, rising stars like Jordan Hermann and Tshepo Moreki will look to make good impressions with strong individual performances in the challenging conditions of India.
Conclusion
The match series between India and South Africa is set to entertain fans with a thrilling series filled with skill, energy, and international potential. With Rishabh Pant looking to make his long-awaited return and Temba Bavuma included in the South African squad, fans are certainly in for a treat.
These matches will not only assess skills but will also indicate the outlook of each cricketing nation. As both teams look to build strong benches for the future, this series will be instrumental in developing their next generation of stars.
The combination of youth, experience, and competitiveness makes this tour one of the most anticipated cricket tours in 2025.
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