South Africa have revealed their squads for the upcoming series against India, which includes three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests starting from December 10. Aiden Markram has been appointed captain for both the ODI and T20I teams, filling in for regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who is taking a break during the white-ball matches to focus on the Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship cycle.
To prioritise the Test matches, key players such as Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada will miss the white-ball leg of the tour but will return for the Test series. The decision reflects the team's emphasis on performing well in the longer format of the game.
For the initial two T20Is, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee have been included in the squad, but they will not continue for the remaining white-ball matches, making a direct return for the Test series.
Cricket South Africa stated on social media, "Captain Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada are amongst a group of players that have been omitted for the white-ball leg of the tour to play red-ball cricket as emphasis is placed on the Test series for which both will return."
Despite Temba Bavuma's recent struggles with the bat during South Africa's journey to the World Cup 2023 semi-final, the team management has opted to rest him only for the white-ball matches, maintaining confidence in his leadership skills for the crucial Test series.
The Test squad includes experienced batsmen Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen, who played pivotal roles in South Africa's 2-1 victory over India in the previous series. Additionally, Mumbai Indians' explosive talent Tristan Stubbs, young top-order batsman Tony de Zorzi, uncapped left-arm pacer Nandre Burger, and wicketkeeper David Bedingham have been named in the Test squad.
For the Test series, South Africa has chosen to go with only one spinner, Keshav Maharaj, and has loaded their lineup with pacers. This strategic decision showcases their intent to exploit the pace-friendly conditions for the upcoming Test matches.
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
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