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New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the India A squad for two matches against South Africa A. Several young players were included in the squad but consistent performer Sarfaraz Khan was left out. This decision came as a surprise to fans and cricket experts. Why is Sarfaraz Khans omission surprising? Sarfaraz Khan who performed brilliantly for the India A team on the England tour scored 92 runs in the first unofficial Test. However he was ruled out of the series due to injury. He subsequently focused on his fitness and played a useful innings of 74 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Despite this he was not included in the squad. Rishabh Pant given the captaincy Returning wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been named the captain of India A. Sai Sudharsan has been named vice-captain. The team includes players like Devdutt Padikkal Ayush Mhatre Rajat Patidar KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel. Considering Pants fitness this decision could prove to be a big responsibility for him. Meet Sarfaraz Khan: - he avg 65+ in FC - he did great vs Eng in his debit series when India were 0-1 down - he scored 150 runs 2 tests ago - reduced 17 kg weight - passed yoyo test Not picked for Ind-A another career destroyed by Agarkar & Gambhir!!pic.twitter.com/W6BnG7cceJ — Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 21 2025 Other big names and team composition The team features a good mix of experienced and young players. Mohammed Shami has once again been left out of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad Prasidh Krishna Akash Deep and Khaleel Ahmed will join the team for the second match. Devdutt Padikkal Ayush Mhatre and Ayush Badoni have been included in the batting order while Harsh Dubey Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar have been included as all-rounders. Story Highlights Sarfaraz Khan was not included in the India A squad. Rishabh Pant was appointed captain against South Africa A. Mohammed Shami was also left out of the squad. Fans on social media expressed their displeasure over Sarfarazs exclusion.