IND vs SA, South Africa Announces Squads for Multi-Format Home Series Against India Starting December 10th.
The tour ahead is a dynamic mix of T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, marking the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The Proteas management has implemented a strategic approach, making key player decisions to optimize performance and capitalize on the team’s positive momentum from the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, two pivotal players, are strategically rested for the ODI leg, aiming for their return in the Test matches. Aiden Markram, leading the Proteas in T20Is, will extend his captaincy to the ODIs in the absence of Bavuma.
In a move to emphasize the red-ball leg, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will miss the final T20I and the entire ODI series. Their participation in first-class matches for domestic teams is geared towards optimal preparation for the Test matches.
Rob Walter, the limited-overs’ head coach, expressed enthusiasm for building on the team’s core group post the World Cup. With a busy summer schedule ahead, the decision to omit several senior players for red-ball preparation was a strategic one. This move opens doors for emerging talents who have showcased their skills at the domestic level.
Mihlali Mpongwana, David Bedingham, and Nandre Burger, three promising players, receive their maiden international call-ups. Mpongwana’s inclusion in the ODI squad stems from a successful CSA Division 1 One-Day Cup campaign, while Bedingham joins the Test squad. The prolific Burger, leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup, finds a spot in all three squads.
Excitement surrounds the return of Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman to the national fold, adding depth to the squad. Tristan Stubbs earns his maiden Test call-up, while Kyle Verreynne is recalled to the ODI and Test squads, showcasing the team’s commitment to blending experience with fresh talent.
Injury sidelines Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell, creating opportunities for others. Lizaad Williams, though being monitored for a groin strain, is named in the T20I and ODI squads, pending further medical assessment.
Test coach Shukri Conrad underlines the significance of the series, emphasizing South Africa’s flawless record against India at home. As the start of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle, the team aims for a robust beginning on home soil against one of the world’s best teams.
The group, carefully selected for this challenge, boasts attributes aligning with the objective of maintaining South Africa’s proud record against India. The level playing field of the new championship cycle adds an extra layer of motivation for the team to deliver stellar performances.
The Proteas embark on a comprehensive tour, strategically managing player workload, and introducing fresh faces to the international arena. The blend of experience and emerging talent reflects the team’s commitment to sustained success, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive series against India.
South Africa T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2ndT20Is), 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: 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: 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
Schedule
Sunday, 10 December – 1st T20I, Durban
Tuesday, 12 December – 2nd T20I, Gqeberha
Thursday, 14 December – 3rd T20I, Johannesburg
Sunday, 17 December – 1st ODI, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 19 December – 2nd ODI, Gqeberha
Thursday, 21 December – 3rd ODI, Paarl
26 December – 30 December – 1st Test, Centurion
03 January – 07 January – 2nd Test, Cape Town