On Thursday, the BCCI unveiled India’s squad for the upcoming ODI, T20I, and Test series against South Africa. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting the Board’s commitment to maintaining a balance between youth and experience.
In a strategic move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to give key players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, a well-deserved break. The decision to rest the seasoned campaigners came after the conclusion of the ICC World Cup, allowing them time to recharge before the upcoming South Africa tour.
The BCCI clarified the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. According to the cricket board, both players requested a break to manage their workload. Additionally, an update on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s availability was provided, stating that his participation is subject to fitness as he undergoes medical treatment.
“Mr. Rohit Sharma and Mr. Virat Kohli had requested the Board for a break from the white-ball leg of the tour. Mr Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability is subject to fitness,” the BCCI said.
Suryakumar Yadav, who led the Indian side against Australia in the T20I series at home, will continue to captain India in the shortest format during the South Africa tour. In Rohit Sharma’s absence, KL Rahul will take on the captaincy duties for the three-match ODI series against the Proteas.
While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be missed in the white-ball leg, they are set to make a return for the two-match Test series in South Africa. Their inclusion adds experience and leadership to the Test squad, raising expectations for a competitive series.
The T20I series against South Africa is scheduled to commence on December 10, followed by the three ODIs starting December 17 in Johannesburg. The tour presents a challenging yet exciting opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their skills in different formats and conditions.
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India’s squad for 3 T20Is vs South Africa: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar.
India’s squad for 3 ODIs vs South Africa: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.
India’s squad for 2 Tests vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.
