IND vs SA: South Africa Test squad for the India series
Cricket South Africa has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, beginning on November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the second Test scheduled for November 22 in Guwahati. The major highlight of the announcement is the return of Temba Bavuma, who resumes leadership duties after recovering from a left calf strain that ruled him out of the recent tour of Pakistan. Bavuma had sustained the injury during an ODI against England last month, forcing him to miss the start of South Africa’s World Test Championship campaign.
In his absence, South Africa fought back to level the series 1-1 against Pakistan, thanks largely to their spin trio, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy, all of whom retain their spots for the India tour. With Bavuma back, South Africa’s batting lineup gains experience and stability. He will slot into the middle order alongside Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, and Ryan Rickelton. Kyle Verreynne continues as the first-choice wicketkeeper, maintaining continuity behind the stumps. The squad reflects a blend of youth and experience as South Africa aim to challenge India in subcontinental conditions and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship.
South Africa’s pace attack for the upcoming Test series against India will once again revolve around their premier fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, who will lead the charge with his experience and aggression. He will be supported by the versatile Marco Jansen, along with Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder, adding depth and variety to the seam department. The trio’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers the team valuable balance, especially in subcontinental conditions where reverse swing and discipline are crucial.
In the spin department, South Africa has opted to retain the three frontline spinners, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy - all of whom were instrumental in the team’s success during the Pakistan series. Consequently, Prenelan Subrayen misses out after featuring in that tour, as the selectors decided to stick with the more experienced trio best suited for Indian pitches. Notably, middle-order batter David Bedingham, who did not feature in the Pakistan Tests, has also been left out of the squad. Head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the importance of continuity, stating that the management wanted to back the same core group of players that performed well recently, ensuring stability and clarity in roles ahead of the challenging India tour.
"We've kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan. Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series. "We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us," Shukri Conrad.
IND vs SA: South Africa Test squad for the India series
Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.
