IND VS SA: BCCI announces India squads for South Africa tour: No Rohit, Kohli in white-ball; Samson, Iyer back, Rahane left out

IND VS SA: On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed India squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, featuring three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests. The T20I series, commencing on December 10, will witness a break for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the white-ball leg, with Rohit leading in the subsequent Test series. Kohli, making his post-World Cup return during the Tests, garnered accolades for his outstanding World Cup performance, amassing 765 runs.

KL Rahul is appointed ODI captain, while Suryakumar Yadav continues as T20I captain due to Hardik Pandya’s ongoing recovery. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj return for the T20Is. Kohli and Rohit’s absence in white-ball formats was attributed to their requested break.

In the ODIs, Sanju Samson and Rajat Patidar make a comeback, with Sai Sudharsan earning his first call-up.
Notably, the Test squad designates KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper, marking his return to red-ball cricket. The omission of Ajinkya Rahane sees Shreyas Iyer taking his place.

Jaiswal retains his opening slot for the T20Is, with the Test squad including names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (as wicketkeeper), and others.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had requested the Board for a break from the white-ball leg of the tour,” BCCI said.

Also read: BCCI Grants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Freedom to Decide T20I Future

The Test series might see Mohammed Shami’s participation contingent on fitness, and Jasprit Bumrah will join for the two Tests starting December 26. KL Rahul’s inclusion as a keeper in Tests is a notable development.

“Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment and his availability is subject to fitness,” said BCCI.

India vs South Africa series complete schedule

The complete schedule for the India vs South Africa series is as follows:

T20Is:

1. December 10, 2023, at 9:30 PM IST in Kingsmead, Durban
2. December 12, 2023, at 9:30 PM IST in St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3. December 14, 2023, at 9:30 PM IST in New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

ODIs:

1. December 17, 2023, at 1:30 PM IST in New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
2. December 19, 2023, at 4:30 PM IST in St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3. December 21, 2023, at 4:30 PM IST in Boland Park, Paarl

Tests:

1. December 26-30, 2023, at 1:30 PM IST in SuperSport Park, Centurion
2. January 3-7, 2024, at 2:00 PM IST in Newlands, Cape Town

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