The Suryakumar Yadav-led India will have their task cut out when they enter the South African shores to play a four-match T20I series. This is due to the fact that South Africa have named an exciting T20I squad, with Aiden Markram at the helm. In a significant boost to South Africa’s bowling arsenal, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee are set to make their international comeback in the upcoming T20I series.
Jansen, Coetzee return, no Kagiso Rabada
Jansen, who last donned the Proteas jersey at the T20 World Cup in June, and Coetzee, whose last international appearance came against the West Indies in May, have successfully recuperated from shoulder and hip concerns, respectively.
While the pace department welcomes back two key players, Lungi Ngidi will be taking his turn for conditioning work over the next six weeks. Currently with the Test squad in Bangladesh but without game time since October, Ngidi’s break is strategically timed to prepare him for the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Similarly, Kagiso Rabada has been rested with Test cricket priorities in mind. Rabada also recently became the World’s number 1 ranked Test bowler.
Strong batting lineup for South Africa
The squad maintains its heavyweight status with the inclusion of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj, who return after missing the UAE white-ball fixtures against Ireland. Under Aiden Markram’s leadership, the batting lineup looks formidable, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton handling opening responsibilities. Also, don’t forget Tristan Stubbs, who is likely to be retained by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2025 retentions as well.
Adding fresh blood to the mix, South Africa has handed maiden call-ups to all-rounders Mihlali Mpongwana and Andile Simelane. Their selection comes on the back of impressive performances in the T20 Challenge, where they shared the second spot on the wicket-takers list with 12 scalps each. The squad’s batting depth is further strengthened by Donovan Ferreira, the T20 Challenge’s third-highest run-scorer, and Patrick Kruger.
Notably absent is Tabraiz Shamsi, who recently opted out of a national contract. Despite remaining available for selection, the selectors have opted for Maharaj and emerging leg spinner Nqabayomzi Peter in the spin department.
South Africa T20I squad vs India
Aiden Markram, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs
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