South Africa announce squads for India series; Bavuma and Rabada rested from white-ball leg | IND vs SA

South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, and pace maestro Kagiso Rabada have been rested for the white-ball segment of the upcoming series against India. The duo is slated to make their return for the two Test matches, with a strategic focus on red-ball cricket.

The Proteas are set to host India for a comprehensive series, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, commencing with the T20 format on December 10 in Durban.

Cricket South Africa clarified the decision, stating, "Captain Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada are amongst a group of players that have been omitted for the white-ball leg of the tour in order to play red-ball cricket as emphasis is placed on the Test series for which both will return."

During Bavuma's absence in the white-ball fixtures, Aiden Markram will assume the captaincy responsibilities.

The Test squad welcomes wicketkeeper-batter Tristan Stubbs for the first time, while Heinrich Klaasen is excluded from the red-ball squad.

Notably, pacers Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi have been excluded from the ODIs, marking a low priority for the format after the 50-over World Cup. However, the trio will be part of the squad for the T20Is and Test matches that follow the ODI series.

Given the significance of World Test Championships points and the upcoming T20 World Cup, both South Africa and India have introduced new faces in their ODI squads. This includes the uncapped pair of medium pacer Ottniel Baartman and all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana. Additionally, David Bedingham (Test) and pacer Nandre Burger (all three formats) have earned their maiden national call-ups.

South Africa squad:

T20I series: Aiden Markram (captain), 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

ODI series: Aiden Markram (captain), 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

Test series: Temba Bavuma (captain), 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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