In a significant development ahead of the highly anticipated Test match series, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will no longer be part of India’s squad for the first Test against South Africa. Instead, Reddy will be participating in the One-Day series for the India A team that is set to take place in Rajkot. The series against South Africa A is scheduled from November 13 to November 19, 2025, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.

Reddy's focus now shifts to the India A squad, where he will aim to contribute actively in the One-Day matches before returning to the national team for the second Test once the 'A' series concludes.

As it stands, the updated Indian squad for the first Test includes renowned players such as Shubman Gill, who will lead the team as captain, alongside vice-captain Rishabh Pant. The batting lineup features prominent names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan. A solid bowling unit is also in place, including pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinners such as Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.

Conversely, the India A team, spearheaded by captain Tilak Varma and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, also boasts talented players like Ishan Kishan and Prasidh Krishna in their lineup. The inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy adds depth to the squad as they prepare to face South Africa A.

The upcoming matches promise to offer exciting cricket, with both teams eager to showcase their talents ahead of the key Test series. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how Reddy and the India A squad perform in their challenge against South Africa A.

Upon completion of this One-Day series, Reddy is expected to rejoin the national squad, bringing his enhanced experience and skills to the forthcoming second Test against South Africa, a critical fixture in the cricket calendar.