In a much-anticipated move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squad that will represent the nation in the upcoming tour of South Africa, set to kick off on December 10, 2023. The tour encompasses a thrilling series of T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches, promising cricket fans an action-packed spectacle.

India’s squad for 2 Tests: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.

India’s squad for 3 T20Is: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar.

India’s squad for 3 ODIs: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.

Notes

· Mr Rohit Sharma and Mr Virat Kohli had requested the Board for a break from the white-ball leg of the tour.

· Mr Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment and his availability is subject to fitness.

Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

T20I Series:

Dec 10, Sun – 1st T20I at Kingsmead, Durban

Dec 12, Tue – 2nd T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Dec 14, Thu – 3rd T20I at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

ODI Series:

Dec 17, Sun – 1st ODI at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Dec 19, Tue – 2nd ODI at St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Dec 21, Thu – 3rd ODI at Boland Park, Paarl

Test Series:

Dec 26, Tue – Dec 30, Sat – 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Jan 03, Wed – Jan 07, Sun – 2nd Test at Newlands, Cape Town

Team India Going Through Transition Period

India finds itself at a crucial juncture in cricketing history following the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final defeat against Australia. The team is poised on the brink of a significant transition, with indications that several key players may consider stepping away from the shortest formats of the game. As the stalwarts contemplate their future, the spotlight is turning towards dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who emerges as a frontrunner for the captaincy role. With an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024, slated to be held in the USA and the West Indies, the cricketing fraternity speculates whether Pandya can not only lead the team effectively but also usher in a new era of success for Indian cricket in the T20 format. The nation watches with anticipation as the team charts its course towards renewal and redemption in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.

The selected squad, a formidable mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, is expected to bring their A-game to the South African pitches. Cricket enthusiasts can gear up for a riveting series as the Men in Blue aim for glory in the rainbow nation. The cricketing world awaits this clash of titans, and the Indian squad is poised for an exhilarating contest against the Proteas. Keep following for live updates and in-depth coverage of India’s tour of South Africa 2023-24.