IND-A vs SA-A: Why Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have not been picked in the India A squad?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have once again been omitted, as both senior players were not included in the India A squad for the upcoming three-match 50-over series against South Africa A. The selection committee has decided to focus on nurturing young talent, fielding a dynamic and promising lineup designed to test India’s bench strength. Emerging star Tilak Varma has been handed the captaincy, a move that highlights the selectors’ faith in his leadership and temperament at the domestic and international levels. Supporting him will be Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been named vice-captain and brings valuable experience from his stints in limited-overs cricket.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli missing from the India A squad for the South Africa A series
The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared between Ishan Kishan and Prabhsimran Singh, both known for their aggressive batting and sharp glovework. This series offers a key opportunity for these young cricketers to prove their readiness for senior-level challenges. The decision to rest senior players like Kohli and Rohit aligns with the team’s long-term planning, ensuring experienced campaigners remain fresh for major international commitments ahead. For the younger lot, however, this represents a golden chance to make their mark and strengthen India’s growing talent pool as the team prepares for an action-packed international calendar.
After months of speculation and intense scrutiny following their retirement from Tests and T20Is, veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made a much-anticipated return to international cricket during the ODI series against Australia, which India eventually lost 1–2. Despite the series defeat, the comeback of India’s two stalwarts became the central talking point. Rohit Sharma, in particular, silenced his critics in spectacular fashion. After a steady half-century earlier in the series, he produced a stunning unbeaten 121 in the final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, guiding India to a commanding win.
His consistent performances not only earned him the Player of the Series title but also propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings for the first time in his illustrious career. At 38, Rohit’s resurgence reaffirmed his class and longevity at the highest level. Virat Kohli, too, rediscovered his rhythm after a tough start, having registered ducks in the first two Tests prior to the ODI series. In Sydney, he returned to form with a composed unbeaten 74, playing a vital role in India’s victory. Together, Kohli and Rohit’s comeback underscored their enduring influence and unmatched value to Indian cricket.
India’s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), 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
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2025
India A’s squad for one-day team: Tilak Varma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Prabhsimran Singh (WK).
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2025
Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed have been named as the frontline pace options for India A in the upcoming three-match 50-over series against South Africa A. Both bowlers bring a blend of experience, pace, and control that will be crucial in leading India’s bowling attack. Prasidh’s ability to generate steep bounce and extract movement off the surface complements Khaleel’s left-arm angle and swing, giving the team a balanced and versatile pace unit capable of exploiting different conditions.
In the spin department, the selectors have opted for promising youngsters Vipraj Nigam and Manav Suthar to spearhead the attack. Both spinners have impressed in domestic cricket with their consistency and control. Adding further stability to the lineup are all-rounders Riyan Parag and Nishant Sindhu, whose dual skills with bat and ball provide crucial depth to the squad. Their presence enhances the team’s flexibility in both middle-order batting and bowling options. The much-anticipated three-match white-ball series between India A and South Africa A will commence on November 13, with all games scheduled to take place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The series will serve as an important platform for emerging players to showcase their readiness for senior international selection.
