As South Africa gears up to face India in a two-match Test series (IND vs SA Test)starting on December 26, they face a setback with key players Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada opting out of the domestic first-class fixture. Originally planned as part of their preparation, both players will miss action for the Lions against the Dolphins.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper, is dealing with a personal situation, while Rabada is nursing a heel injury that has been bothering him since the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia.
“Bavuma has a personal matter to attend to and Rabada has a heel niggle,” a statement from the Lions read as per Sportskeeda.
The extent of Rabada’s injury remains uncertain, adding to the worries of the South African team, already missing Anrich Nortje due to a back issue sustained against Australia before the World Cup.
IND vs SA Test: Ngidi unavailable?
The fast-bowling department is further strained with the uncertainty surrounding Lungi Ngidi’s availability, who was ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against India due to a late injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has also confirmed the absence of Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen for the upcoming T20I and ODI series.
Bavuma, who played through a hamstring injury during the latter stages of the 2023 ODI World Cup, is now dealing with a personal matter, complicating South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming Test series.
Despite these challenges, South Africa remains formidable at home, holding a dominant Test record against India (IND vs SA) on their soil. In their last encounter, India claimed an initial lead, but the Proteas bounced back to secure the series.
With India naming a strong squad for the Test series, the injury concerns for South Africa add an element of uncertainty to the upcoming cricketing battle.
