IND A vs SA A begin their two-match unofficial Test series in Bengaluru, with both sides fielding a blend of rising stars and experienced domestic performers. The contest promises to be a true red-ball test – patient batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic captaincy.
India A enter the series on home soil with momentum and depth in all departments, led by Rishabh Pant, who continues his full-time return to long-format cricket. The visitors, South Africa A, come with intent and hunger to prove their adaptability against spin and subcontinental conditions.
Match Details IND A vs SA A
Fixture: India A vs South Africa A, 1st Unofficial Test
Series: South Africa A Tour of India 2025
Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru
Date: 30 October – 2 November 2025
Start Time: 09:00 AM IST
Pitch Report & Conditions
The Bengaluru surface traditionally offers early assistance for seamers, with some movement on the first morning due to the city’s mild overnight moisture. However, as the game progresses, the wicket tends to flatten out, rewarding technically solid batters.
By Day 3 and 4, the pitch is expected to dry out and assist spinners, making stroke play difficult. Batsmen who can spend time in the middle will be rewarded, while bowlers who vary pace and flight will find purchase later in the game.
Pitch Type: Balanced; slow turn expected from Day 3 onward
Best Suited For: Batters early, spinners later
Average 1st Innings Score: 300–350
Winning Toss Decision: Bat First
Probable Playing XI
India A
- Sai Sudharsan (VC)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar
- Rishabh Pant (c & wk)
- Ayush Badoni
- Tanush Kotian
- Harsh Dubey
- Manav Suthar
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Yash Thakur
Key Players to Watch:
- Rishabh Pant: A chance to showcase long-format fitness and form.
- Sai Sudharsan: Mr. Consistency, technique made for red-ball cricket.
- Manav Suthar: Can exploit Day 3–4 turn with control and bounce.
South Africa A
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Jordan Hermann
- Zubayr Hamza
- Rubin Hermann (wk)
- Marques Ackerman
- Jason Smith
- Prenelan Subrayen
- Codi Yusuf
- Okuhle Cele
- Tshepo Moreki
- Lesego Senokwane
Key Players to Watch:
- Temba Bavuma: Experience and calm in top order; anchor for visitors.
- Jordan Hermann: Promising youngster, compact technique vs spin.
- Codi Yusuf: In-form seamer with ability to swing old and new ball.
Head-to-Head (Recent Meetings)
- Total Meetings in Unofficial Tests: 5
- India A Wins: 2
- South Africa A Wins: 1
- Draws: 2
Their last series in South Africa (2023-24) saw both Tests end in draws. India A dominated in patches but couldn’t finish games on foreign soil. Now, home conditions provide an opportunity for redemption.
Team Form & Strategy
India A Outlook
- Solid top order; Sudharsan and Padikkal expected to give strong starts.
- Middle order anchored by Pant and Patidar, both capable of accelerating.
- Balanced bowling attack — Khaleel’s swing early, Suthar’s spin late.
- Expectation: Focus on building a big first-innings total (350+) and use spin pressure later.
South Africa A Outlook
- Batting depth but unfamiliar with low-bounce Indian pitches.
- Fast bowlers will aim to exploit morning moisture, while Subrayen’s off-spin will be key in middle overs.
- Strategy: Patience with bat; target India’s new-ball bowlers early before spin comes into play.
India A enter this game as favourites due to home advantage, better familiarity with conditions, and a more rounded squad. South Africa A possess individual brilliance but might struggle once the pitch begins to turn.
Expect a competitive first two days before India A pull ahead through spin and lower-order resistance. A result is likely if weather stays clear.
