IND vs SA: Nitish Kumar Reddy OUT, Dhruv Jurel IN for Kolkata Test & Rishabh Pant Returns | India vs South Africa 2025

The three-match ODI series between India A and South Africa A will be played from November 13, 2025, to November 19, 2025. Nitish Kumar Reddy will return to the Indian Test squad for the second Test after this ODI series gets over. The second Test between India and South Africa will be played in Guwahati, which is set to start from November 22, 2025.

India and South Africa are all set to play the two-match test series, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027. Currently, Indian Cricket Team is at third spot in the ICC WTC Points Table with a PCT of 61.90% whereas South Africa Cricket Team is at fourth spot with a PCT of 40%.

Why was Nitish Kumar Reddy released?

Nitish Kumar Reddy has struggled to secure his place in the Indian Team in recent months due to injuries and inconsistent form. He didn’t play most of the matches in the T20Is against Australia due to a quadriceps injury and later had neck spasms.

Since senior all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are part of the team and confirmed to play the first test against South Africa. Therefore, the team management decided to release Nitish Kumar Reddy so that he can play matches for India A and regain his form.

Dhurv Jurel’s Addition:

Dhruv Jurel has been impressive with the bat, especially in test cricket in recent times. He has perfectly used all the opportunities given to him. He scored back-to-back centuries against South Africa A in an unofficial Test in Bengaluru and made 1,000 runs in red-ball cricket.

Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Jurel’s performance:

He said, “I don’t think you can leave him out for this Test. Given the way Dhruv’s gone in the last six months and scoring two 100s in Bengaluru last week, he’s certain to play this week.”

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