Cricket South Africa has revealed the lineups for the upcoming series against India, encompassing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two test matches, all set to kick off on December 10. South Africa and India are poised for an exciting clash on home turf.
Temba Bavuma, the captain for South Africa’s One Day Internationals (ODIs), and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will be taking a break from the upcoming white-ball series against India later this month. This break is aimed at preparing them for the subsequent two test matches. Bavuma, who led South Africa to the semi-finals in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and continues to be the official captain for the 50-over format, will be temporarily replaced by Aiden Markram during the India series.
There are also speculations circulating that Cricket South Africa (CSA) is considering relieving Temba Bavuma of the captaincy, with Aiden Markram possibly stepping into a full-time role. This potential decision is being linked to the team’s semi-final loss and the desire to usher in a new era with a younger squad.
In alignment with this strategy, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi are slated to participate in only the initial two T20Is. The quartet of Bavuma, Rabada, Coetzee, Jansen, and Ngidi will engage in a series of domestic first-class matches scheduled from December 14 to 17 to fine-tune their skills in anticipation of the upcoming test matches.
Tristan Stubbs earns his first call-up to the test squad, joining batsman David Bedingham and pacer Nandre Burger, both expected to feature against New Zealand in February. Wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi make their comebacks after being sidelined last summer, while Heinrich Klaasen misses out on the test squad. Anrich Nortje, recovering from a lower back stress fracture, will be absent from all formats following his World Cup exclusion.
Also Read: 5 Biggest Takeaways From Team India’s Squad Selection For The South Africa Tour
South Africa T20I squad for the India Series:
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 for the India Series:
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
South Africa Test squad for the India Series:
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
