IND vs SA: India squad for T20I series against South Africa announced; 3 players earn maiden call-up

India will tour South Africa for a four-match T20I series in November 2024.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Men’s Selection Committee, on Friday, 25th October, announced India’s squads for the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, scheduled to take place later this year. As India continue their busy cricketing calendar, the selectors have opted for a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers in the T20I squad.

Which players are picked for the T20I series?

India’s T20I squad, set to face South Africa starting November 8th in Durban, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, he will be supported by veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who also brings valuable experience to the team. Alongside Suryakumar and Hardik, India’s top and middle order will include familiar faces like Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson, who will handle wicket-keeping duties along with Jitesh Sharma.

The squad welcomes several fresh faces. Ramandeep Singh, a notable performer from Delhi Ranji team and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, earned his first call-up to the national team after an impressive showing in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 2024. Karnataka pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak also joins the squad, making his maiden call-up for India following his remarkable form in domestic cricket. Furthermore, Yash Dayal has been called up for white-ball duties for the first time, bringing versatility to India’s bowling attack.

In the spin department, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi have been retained as India’s primary T20I spinners, while all-rounder Axar Patel adds both depth in the batting lineup and control in the bowling attack. The pace unit, led by Arshdeep Singh and supported by the likes of Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, and Yash Dayal, offers a balanced combination of left-arm and right-arm quicks.

Injury concerns and exclusions

The squad announcement also brought news of some notable absences. Mayank Yadav who recently made a comeback after eight-month-hiatus is further sidelined with unspecified injury. Whereas, Shivam Dube also was not considered for selection due to an injury. 

Additionally, Riyan Parag, who made a steady mark in international cricket a rising star in Indian cricket, was unavailable as he continues his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, addressing a chronic shoulder injury that has affected his availability in recent months.

Continuity in selection

The selectors have largely kept faith in the core group of players that recently took on Bangladesh in the T20I series, ensuring continuity and familiarity in the squad. This strategy aligns with India’s preparations for next edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, as the team looks to finalize a cohesive unit.

The Indian T20I squad will kick off the South African series in Durban on November 8, with the remaining three matches set to take place across various venues in South Africa. 

India’s T20I squad against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.

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