In a series of updates to the Indian cricket squad for the upcoming South Africa series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed several changes, affecting both the ODI and Test teams.
Pacer Mohammed Shami, initially named in the squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa, has been ruled out due to fitness concerns. Shami’s inclusion was subject to medical clearance, which he failed to obtain in time for the series starting on December 26.
In another development, medium pacer Deepak Chahar has been withdrawn from the ODI squad due to a family medical emergency. He will be replaced by Akash Deep, who was already in South Africa as part of the India A side.
Batsman Shreyas Iyer is set to participate in the series-opening ODI on December 17 but will join the Test squad thereafter, excluding him from the second and third ODIs. He is scheduled to partake in the inter-squad game.
Revised ODI Squad for South Africa Series:
– 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
– Akash Deep
Rahul Dravid, the head coach, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T. Dilip, will not be with the ODI squad. Instead, they will join the Test squad to prepare for the red-ball matches. The ODI team will be supported by India A’s coaching staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Rajib Datta, and fielding coach Ajay Ratra.
India is scheduled to play an inter-squad match in Pretoria between December 20-22 in preparation for the Boxing Day Test.
