Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been recalled to India’s squad for the upcoming two-test series against South Africa, marking his return to international cricket after a foot injury sidelined him for months.

The test series begins on November 14 in Kolkata. Pant, who was vice-captain during India’s tour of England earlier this year, will resume the same role under captain Shubman Gill. Ravindra Jadeja, the world’s top-ranked test all-rounder, had served as deputy in India’s previous series against the West Indies.

Pant was in fine form before his injury, amassing 479 runs in four tests against England, including two centuries and three fifties. Having recovered last month, he led India A in the unofficial test against South Africa A in Bengaluru, where he struck a crucial 90 in the second innings to guide his team to a three-wicket win. He will continue to lead India A in the second unofficial test starting Thursday.

Several players named in the senior squad — including KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj — are also part of the India A side.

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India’s test squad includes wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was released from the T20 squad in Australia to prepare for the South Africa series. Pacer Mohammed Shami remains absent despite solid domestic form, while veteran batter Karun Nair also misses out after modest performances in England.

South Africa, the reigning World Test Champion, recently drew its series 1-1 in Pakistan.

India test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wk), 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.