South Africa has revealed its T20I, ODI, and Test squads for the upcoming series against India, with selections aligned strategically to upcoming commitmentsThe selections seem to be carefully planned, taking into account the workload of senior players, who will be given a breather during the two-Test series. Ahead of IND vs SA, Coach Rob Walter shared insights, hinting at the possibility of tweaks in the T20 WC lineup including a possible return for Quinton de Kock.
Before the all-important World Cup in June, the Proteas have only one T20I series, and that’s against India. Once those three T20Is are done, the selection committee will be closely watching the action in T20 leagues like SA20 and IPL, fine-tuning the squad for the big tournament.
Interestingly, despite Quinton de Kock retiring from ODIs after the World Cup, he’s still very much in the picture. He won’t be part of the T20I series against India due to his commitments in the Big Bash League, but Coach Walter made it clear that the door is wide open for players like de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and Rilee Rossouw to potentially make a comeback for the T20 World Cup and the subsequent SA20. Walter acknowledged that while about 80% of the squad might be predictable, there’s room for those on the fringes to grab their chance.
“Given that some of our frontline bowlers are missing out and there are guys like Faf (du Plessis) and Rilee (Rossouw) as well as Quinny that could well be considered for a T20 World Cup and then also the SA20 that happens next year. 80 per cent of the side picks itself but there is definitely a space for other guys to get themselves into the conversation,” Walter said.
Speaking to the press, Walter stressed the opportunities for players like de Kock, who will be keeping busy in various franchise-based leagues such as SA20, BBL, Pakistan Super League, and the IPL. Rossouw’s last T20I was back in March 2023, and du Plessis hasn’t played white-ball cricket since December 2020.
Walter highlighted the importance of the SA20 in shaping the T20 World Cup squad, presenting an exciting chance for those on the fringes to make a mark. The T20 World Cup is slated for June 4 to 30 next year in the USA and the West Indies, and the Proteas are keeping their options open for a dynamic and competitive squad.
“The SA20 will be a very important competition as far as the World Cup goes. The household guys will most likely be there but it’s an exciting time for the guys that sit on the fringes,” he added.
Aiden Markram is gearing up to captain both the T20I and ODI sides as Temba Bavuma, who successfully led the Proteas to the World Cup semi-final in India, is set to take a rest during the white-ball, alongside Kagiso Rabada. Notably, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee are slated to feature in only the initial two matches of the upcoming T20I series, scheduled to commence on December 10.
Soth Africa T20I squad for IND vs SA:
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, Lizaad Williams.
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