Bavuma Ruled Out of India ODIs due to hamstring injury
South Africa’s ODI captain Temba Bavuma will not be part of the squad for the three-match series against India starting from December 10 in Mumbai. Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final against Australia in Kolkata last month, where he scored 39 runs and led his team to a thrilling two-wicket victory.
Bavuma, who has been one of South Africa’s most consistent batsmen in the 50-over format this year, with 672 runs in 15 matches at an average of 44.80, will miss the white-ball leg of the tour to focus on his recovery and preparation for the Test series that begins on January 5 in Chennai. He will be replaced by Reeza Hendricks, who will open the batting alongside Quinton de Kock.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the squads for the all-format series against India on Sunday, with some notable changes from the World Cup-winning side. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 18 scalps, has also opted out of the ODI and T20I series to manage his workload and rest ahead of the Test matches. He will be replaced by Anrich Nortje, who missed the World Cup due to a knee injury.
Other players who were not considered for selection due to injuries include Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius. CSA said that they are still undergoing rehabilitation and their availability for the Test series will be assessed closer to the time. The selectors have included some fresh faces in the white-ball squads, such as Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin and Lizaad Williams.
CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith said that the tour of India will be a challenging one, but also an opportunity for some of the young players to showcase their skills and potential. “India is always a tough place to play cricket, especially in their home conditions. They have a very strong and balanced team across all formats, and they will be keen to bounce back after losing the World Cup final to us. We are confident that we have a competitive and exciting squad that can challenge them in every game,” he said.
Smith also praised Bavuma for his leadership and performance in the World Cup, and wished him a speedy recovery. “Temba has been a fantastic captain and a key player for us in the ODI format. He led the team with passion and courage, and played some crucial knocks under pressure. It is unfortunate that he has to miss the ODI series, but we understand that his health and fitness are paramount. We hope that he recovers well and joins us for the Test series,” he said.
The ODI series will be followed by three T20Is, which will be played in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Pune. The Test series will consist of four matches, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. South Africa are currently ranked second in the WTC standings, behind England, while India are fourth, behind Australia.
South Africa ODI squad: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Kyle Verreynne, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, Janneman Malan, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks.
South Africa T20I squad: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Kyle Verreynne, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, Janneman Malan, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks.
South Africa Test squad: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Dwaine Pretorius.