KL Rahul named captain, Sanju Samson returns as BCCI announces India's ODI squad for South Africa tour

This will be India’s first assignment in the ODIs post ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

India are set to embark on a multi-format tour to South Africa, beginning with a 3-match T20I series. Subsequently, they will engage in a 3-match ODI series, followed by 2 Test matches. The upcoming tour poses a significant challenge for India, particularly in the aftermath of their loss in the final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup against Australia.

The One Day series is scheduled to commence with the 1st ODI on December 17th, followed by the 2nd ODI on December 19th, and concluding with the third ODI on December 21st.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where India secured a massive victory, defeating South Africa by 243 runs.

Team India have announced their 16-member squad for the 3 ODI matches.

India’s squad for ODI series against South Africa announced

India have unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. According to the BCCI, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have opted for a break from the white-ball series, and as a result, KL Rahul will lead the team in the ODIs. Among those selected, only Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav were part of the World Cup squad.

The batting lineup includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson. Additionally, the squad features the return of all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, and the comeback of Yuzvendra Chahal. The pace bowling department comprises Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Deepak Chahar. Only bowler from the World Cup squad retained is Kuldeep Yadav, while the likes of Bumrah, Siraj and Shami seem to be rested.

Notably, Suryakumar Yadav has been dropped, while the board hasn’t designated a vice-captain for the ODI side. Among the positives, the new-born T20 star, Rinku Singh has been handed his maiden ODI call-up.

India squad for ODI series against South Africa

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.

South Africa vs India 3-match ODI series schedule

1st ODI, December 17, Johannesburg (1:30 PM, 10:00 AM LOCAL)

2nd ODI, December 19, Gqeberha (4:30 PM, 1:00 PM LOCAL)

3rd ODI, December 21, Paarl (4:30 PM, 1:00 PM LOCAL)

In ODIs, India and South Africa have competed in a total of 91 matches. Out of these, India emerged victorious in 38, while South Africa secured wins in 50 matches. Additionally, 3 matches concluded without a result

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