URGENT...Plenty of new faces in South Africa's squads for India series...CRICKET NEWS

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URGENT...Plenty of new faces in South Africa's squads for India series...CRICKET NEWS

South Africa has announced its squads for the upcoming multi-format home series against India, commencing on December 10. The tour will kick off with three T20Is, followed by an equal number of ODIs and culminating in two Tests, all of which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

Notably, Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada will be rested for the ODI leg of the tour but are set to return for the Tests. Aiden Markram, who is leading the Proteas in the T20Is, will also assume the captaincy in the ODIs in Bavuma's absence. Additionally, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi are slated to miss the final T20I and the ODI series as they prepare for the red-ball leg by participating in first-class matches for their respective domestic sides.

Rob Walter, the head coach for limited-overs cricket, expressed, "After an excellent overall showing at the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, we want to capitalize on that momentum and continue building on our core group during this Freedom Series." He further explained the decision to omit several senior players, emphasizing the importance of the red-ball leg of the tour and their preparation for the Test series through domestic cricket.

The announcement also brought to light the maiden international call-ups for all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana, batter David Bedingham, and fast bowler Nandre Burger. Mpongwana's inclusion in the ODI squad is attributed to his successful performance in the CSA Division 1 One-Day Cup, while Bedingham has been added to the Test squad. Meanwhile, Burger, who has had an outstanding domestic season, has secured a spot in all three squads.

Walter expressed optimism about the new additions, saying, "We are looking forward to seeing what they can do, the likes of Nandre Burger, the leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup as well as Donovan Ferreira and Mihlali Mpongwana. We also have others back in the national fold such as Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman, so it is exciting to see how they will get on."

Furthermore, batter Tristan Stubbs has earned his maiden Test call-up, while wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne has been recalled to the ODI and Test squads. Notably absent from the list due to injuries are Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell. Lizaad Williams has been added to the T20I and ODI squads but is currently being monitored for a groin strain and requires further medical assessment.

Test coach Shukri Conrad also expressed enthusiasm for the series, emphasizing South Africa's unblemished record against India at home. "It is the start of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle and that itself is a huge incentive for everyone. The playing field is level and we want to try and ensure we make a strong start to this sequence here at home against one of the best teams in the world." He concluded by expressing confidence in the squad's ability to maintain South Africa's proud record against India in their home conditions.