SA vs IND: Cricket South Africa has finally named South Africa squads for the all-format series against India. India tour will commence on December 10, 2023, & will end in the new year on January 7, 2024. The two teams will play three T20Is, three ODIs & two Test matches. Now coming to the South African squad the team has included new names in the squads & stayed true to their policy of trying new talents on the big stage.
The uncapped trio of Mihlali Mpongwana, David Bedingham, and Nandre Burger have earned their maiden national call-ups. Burger has been named in all three teams while Bedingham has cut the Tets team. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mpongwana who displayed a lethal show in the final of a Division 1 tournament in October is a part of the ODI team.
Coming to IPL star, Tristan Stubbs who is known for his exploits in IPL has been named in South Africa’s Test squad for the first time. He has already made a cut in proteas ODI & T20I squads where he scored a ton for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A earlier in 2023. His outstanding performance helped him to earn a place for himself in red ball cricket. On the other hand, Kyle Verreynne has been recalled in ODI & Test squads having last featured in a Test against Australia in 2023.
Players who were excluded from South Africa’s white ball Squads
Kagiso Rabada & Temba Bavuma are the notable omissions from the white ball leg. This is because the pair aims to focus on the Test series against India which will begin on December 26 & is a part of the WTC 2023-2025 cycle. On the other hand, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will miss the 3rd T20I and ODI series and join Bavuma and Rabada in the practice first-class matches for the preparation of India’s Test series. The leader of the T20I clan will lead the ODI squad in the absence of Bavuma.
On the other hand, Lizaad Williams who sustained a groin injury in a first-class fixture last week against the province will undergo a medical assessment to determine the extent of his injury. Meanwhile, Anrich Nortje who has sustained a lower back stress fracture & Wayne Parnell (left shoulder) were not considered for selection on account of rehabilitation for their injuries.
What did South African coaches say about the Squad
Commenting on the announced white ball squad South Africa’s white ball coach, Rob Walter said that after a zealous show at the ODI World Cup 2023, they want to capitalize on their performance & continue building a core group during this crucial series.
He further said that the decision to exclude some seasoned players was a collective one, in consultation with Coach Shukri Conrad, focusing on gearing up for the Test series through domestic cricket. This shift opens doors for emerging talents who’ve excelled at the domestic level.
Further talking about the new call-ups in the squads, Walter said that they are waiting to see what Nandre Burger, leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup, along with Donovan Ferreira and Mihlali Mpongwana can do in the white ball series. He further highlighted that the national squad is also bolstered by the return of familiar faces like Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman & they will see how the clan will perform in front of Indians.
On the other hand, Head Coach Conrad said that the two-match Test series marks the beginning of the new ICC Test Championship cycle & it is a huge incentive for everyone on the team. He further said that the players are ready for the challenge & they want to kickstart the new WTC cycle on a winning note against a mighty Indian team embellished with veteran players. He further said that the squad has some new faces in David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, and Tristan Stubbs who will look ahead to deliver timely performances.
SA vs IND: South Africa Squad for All format series
South Africa T20I squad:
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:
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
Also read, Lance Morris “The Wild Thing” To Make Test Debut at Perth
