IND vs SA: Emerging talents shine as BCCI names squad for T20I series against South Africa
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 8 at Kingsmead. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in a four-match series, but notable absences due to injuries have raised eyebrows among fans and selectors alike.
The squad will miss the pace of Mayank Yadav, who made his international debut in the recent series against Bangladesh, and all-rounder Riyan Parag, who is currently undergoing a long-term treatment for a chronic shoulder injury at the Centre of Excellence. Shivam Dube, who also missed the previous series due to injury, remains sidelined.
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— BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2024
Squads for India’s tour of South Africa & Border-Gavaskar Trophy announced ????#TeamIndia | #SAvIND | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Z4eTXlH3u0
In a positive twist, the BCCI has announced three maiden call-ups to the squad. Ramandeep Singh, known for his impressive performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 and the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, earns his spot as a batter. Bowlers Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal, the latter of whom received his first Test call-up in October, are also included in the mix.
Retaining their positions are Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both of whom opened in the Bangladesh series. Tilak Varma, fresh off leading the India A team to the semi-finals of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, also joins the squad. Backup wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma remains a part of the lineup.
The all-rounder department features stalwarts Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s consistent performances against Bangladesh earned him a spot, supported by Ravi Bishnoi in the spin department.
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The pace attack is robust, featuring five bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak, Avesh Khan, and Dayal, with Hardik Pandya contributing as an all-rounder.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the T20I series as India looks to establish dominance on South African soil. With the absence of key players, the series presents an opportunity for emerging talents to shine on the international stage.
India Squad for T20I Series 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.
