South Africa is gearing up to host India for a thrilling cricketing series, comprising three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests. As anticipation builds for this clash of cricketing giants, South Africa has announced its squads across all formats. Notably, Aiden Markram will step in as the captain for the white-ball series, taking over from Temba Bavuma, who has been rested.
White-Ball Series
In a strategic move, Captain Temba Bavuma and the explosive fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada have been given a well-deserved break during the white-ball series against India. Both players will return to action during the Test series, which commences on December 26. In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram, who previously led the Proteas during the World Cup due to Bavuma’s illness, will captain the ODI and T20I teams against India.
Excitingly, the squad for the white-ball series includes some fresh faces. Fast-bowling allrounder Nadre Burger has earned his maiden call-up and will feature in all three formats. Joining him are Mihlali Mpongwana and David Bedingham, who have received their maiden ODI and Test call-ups, respectively. Tristan Stubbs has been included in the Test squad, and Kyle Verreynne has been recalled for both the ODI and Test series.
South Africa T20I Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2nd T20Is), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen (1st and 2nd T20Is), Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi (1st and 2nd T20Is), Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa ODI Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
Also Read: India Tour Of South Africa: Squads, Schedule, Timings, Live Streaming Details- Everything to Know
Red-Ball Series
The Test squad sees the return of Bavuma to the captaincy, and it includes a mix of experience and promising talent. Notably, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne find their place in the Test squad, showcasing the selectors’ confidence in the young guns.
South Africa Test squad against India
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
Player Availability and Injury Updates
Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will play in the first two T20Is against India before being rested for the Test series. This strategic decision aims to manage their workload effectively. The trio will also participate in the First-Class fixtures from December 14 to 17 after the T20Is.
Unfortunately, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell are yet to recover from injuries, leading to their exclusion from all three squads. Their absence will be felt, but South Africa remains optimistic about the strength and depth of the squads they have announced.
India vs South Africa Schedule
The series kicks off with the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, on December 10, followed by the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 12. The teams will then travel to New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, for the third T20I on December 14.
The ODI series will commence on December 17 at New Wanderers Stadium, followed by the second ODI at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 19, and the third ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, on December 21.
The Test series will round off the tour, with the first Test scheduled at SuperSport Park, Centurion, from December 26 to December 30. The second Test will take place at Newlands, Cape Town, from January 3 to January 7.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this clash between two cricketing powerhouses. The series promises to deliver intense and memorable moments as both teams vie for supremacy in each format.