South Africa has unveiled its squads for the upcoming series against India, spanning T20Is, ODIs, and Tests. The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, are set to host India for a cricketing extravaganza featuring three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests.
In a strategic move, South Africa has opted to rest skipper Temba Bavuma for the white-ball series against India. Bavuma, a pivotal figure in the Proteas setup, will return to action during the Test series commencing on December 26.
In a team with Bavuma’s rest, speedster Kagiso Rabada has also been given a break for the T20I and ODI series. Bavuma and Rabada’s return is anticipated to add firepower to the Proteas’ Test lineup.
With Bavuma on a break, Aiden Markram steps into the leadership role, captaining both the ODI and T20I teams. This is familiar territory for Markram, who previously led the Proteas during the World Cup in Bavuma’s absence due to illness.
All-rounder Nadre Burger has earned his maiden call-up and finds a place in all three squads. His selection across formats underscores the Proteas’ emphasis on grooming versatile talents.
Mihlali Mpongwana and David Bedingham have secured their maiden ODI and Test call-ups, respectively. Their inclusion signals South Africa’s commitment to injecting fresh talent into the squad.
Tristan Stubbs debits in the Test squad, while Kyle Verreynne returns for both the ODI and Test series. Stubbs’ inclusion and Verreynne’s recall add depth and experience to the Proteas’ red-ball setup.
Pacers Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi are set to feature in the first two T20Is before being rested for the Test series. This rotation strategy aims to balance workload and optimize player performance across formats.
Fact Check: The Truth Behind The Viral Video Of Shakib Al Hasan’s Incident At Airport
Injuries sideline Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell, who are yet to recover and have not been named in any of the three squads. Their absence poses challenges but provides opportunities for emerging talents.
South Africa T20I squad:
Aiden Markram, 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
Proteas 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.
Proteas 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
India vs South Africa Schedule:
| Date | Match Details | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Dec 10, Sun | IND vs SA 1st T20I | Kingsmead, Durban | 9:30 PM |
| Dec 12, Tue | IND vs SA 2nd T20I | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 9:30 PM |
| Dec 14, Thu | IND vs SA 2nd T20I | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 9:30 PM |
| Dec 17, Sun | IND vs SA 1st ODI | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 1:30 PM |
| Dec 19, Tue | IND vs SA 2nd ODI | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | 4:30 PM |
| Dec 21, Thu | IND vs SA 3rd ODI | Boland Park, Paarl | 4:30 PM |
| Dec 26 – Dec 30 | IND vs SA 1st Test | SuperSport Park, Centurion | 1:30 PM |
| Jan 03 – Jan 07 | IND vs SA 2nd Test | Newlands, Cape Town | 2:00 PM |
