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New Delhi: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma will return to lead the Proteas in their upcoming two-match Test series against India, starting from November 14. The right-hander missed the recent two-match home series against Pakistan due to a calf injury but has now been declared fit for the crucial tour.
Though in his absence, Aiden Markram captained the side as South Africa fought back to draw the series 1-1. Head coach Shukri Conrad has retained the same squad with only a couple of changes made for the India trip.
Bavuma's return is the biggest boost for the visitors, who will need all the experience they can get against a strong Indian side on home soil. The selectors have left out Prenelan Subreyan and David Bedingham, who were part of the squad for the Pakistan series.
In terms of balance, the squad looks well-rounded. Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy will form the spin trio, an area that could be decisive in Indian conditions. The trio even made a huge difference on the turning tracks in Pakistan.
The pace attack will once again be led by Kagiso Rabada, with all-rounder Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch offering depth and versatility. Ahead of the series South Africa head coach Conrad said, “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.”
He further added, “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. Pakistan was a squad effort, and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour,”
It remains to be seen what sort of pitches India will come up with after having opted for rank turners for the West Indies series earlier this month.
The series opener will be played at the iconiv Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14 while the second Test will take place in Guwahati, which will host its first-ever Test match starting November 22.
With Men In Blue unbeaten at home since 2012, the challenge for South Africa is enormous but their captain's return brings both leadership and stability to a side that has shown steady improvement under Conrad's guidance.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne
