Johannesburg, October 27 (Udaipur Kiran) — South African batter Temba Bavuma has returned to lead the national side for the upcoming two-Test series against India, beginning next month. Bavuma, who had been sidelined with a calf injury, missed the initial World Test Championship fixtures against Pakistan but has now regained full fitness.
The Proteas skipper will not feature in the limited-overs series currently underway in Pakistan. However, before joining the senior Test squad, he will play a first-class match for South Africa ‘A’ against India ‘A’ in Bengaluru to gain match practice. His inclusion marks the only change from the squad that faced Pakistan, with David Bedingham being dropped. Bedingham, who did not play any game in Pakistan, has 15 Tests to his name with one century and four fifties.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said in a statement, “The players who performed in Pakistan showed great potential. Leaving Bedingham out was not an easy decision, but given the conditions in India, we believe the current combination gives us a better balance. The selection is entirely based on the conditions and team strategy.”
Conrad added that Zubayr Hamza earned his place due to his strong play against spin, which will be crucial in Indian conditions. Hamza recently scored a century against New Zealand ‘A’.
South Africa have retained their three specialist spinners — Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy — while Prenelan Subrayen, who played in Pakistan, has been omitted. The pace attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch. Lungi Ngidi continues to miss out after not being part of the Pakistan tour.
The first Test between India and South Africa will be played in Kolkata from December 14, followed by the second in Guwahati from December 22. The Proteas will also play three ODIs and five T20Is during the tour.
South Africa Squad for India Test Series:
Temba Bavuma (Captain), 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.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
