Despite these absences, India heads into the T20I series against South Africa with a strong squad led by Suryakumar Yadav
The Indian men's cricket team will clash with South Africa in a four-match T20I series beginning November 8 in Durban. The BCCI has retained Suryakumar Yadav as captain after his impressive leadership in India's 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in October. Ten players from the Bangladesh series have journeyed to South Africa for this two-week tour, including matches in Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg. However, several key players from the Bangladesh T20I series are missing from this tour due to a mix of injuries and new opportunities.
Riyan Parag, a rising star from Rajasthan Royals, is notably absent from the South Africa tour. Parag was essential in India's white-ball lineup, showing his form with an IPL 2024 season tally of 573 runs. The BCCI has clarified that Parag is at the Centre of Excellence addressing a chronic right shoulder injury. This long-term injury resolution has kept him from participating in the South Africa series. Parag had been a regular in the T20I squad, but his current focus is on recovery, which means he will miss out on the November 8 series start.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made a promising debut in the Bangladesh series, is another name missing from the South Africa squad. The 21-year-old was selected for India's Test team for the upcoming Australia series, highlighting his impressive performance trajectory. Former selector MSK Prasad has drawn parallels between Reddy and Hardik Pandya, underscoring Reddy's pace and potential. While questioned by some, his Test call-up showcases the value the selectors see in him for red-ball cricket. With his pace and versatility, Reddy is now focused on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Harshit Rana has earned a spot in India's Test squad for the upcoming Australia tour but is missing from the South Africa T20I series. Rana's consistent performances under Gautam Gambhir's guidance, particularly for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, have caught the selectors' attention. Despite missing the T20I debut against Bangladesh due to a health issue, his all-round show in the Ranji Trophy has solidified his standing. Now part of the six-man seam attack for the Test series, Rana has a golden opportunity to impact the international stage.
Mayank Yadav, another fast bowler who debuted against Bangladesh, is also missing from the South Africa tour due to injury. The 22-year-old speedster made a name for himself with his ability to clock over 150 kph and played all three matches in the Bangladesh series. Unfortunately, injury issues have kept him out of the South Africa series, impacting India's fast-bowling depth. Known for his raw pace, Yadav's absence leaves a void in the lineup, and fans will eagerly await his return to international action once he recovers.
Shivam Dube, who missed the Bangladesh series due to an injury, remains on the sidelines for the South Africa tour. Initially selected for the Bangladesh T20Is, he was later replaced by Tilak Varma due to his fitness issues. The Mumbai all-rounder's powerful batting and bowling abilities were missed in the Bangladesh series, and his continued absence will be felt against South Africa. His injury troubles have been a setback, and fans are hopeful for his return to the squad once he regains full fitness.
🚨 WASHINGTON SUNDAR PICKED 7/59 AFTER PLAYING HIS FIRST TEST IN 45 MONTHS...!!! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dsqEPa6yZ5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2024
Washington Sundar, who played in the Bangladesh T20I series, has also been left out of the South Africa tour. Instead, he has been named in the Indian Test squad for the five-match series against Australia. The versatile Tamil Nadu all-rounder brings immense value in both batting and bowling, making him a crucial part of India's red-ball plans. His selection for the Test squad signifies the selectors' long-term vision for Sundar in the longer format, especially given the demands of the Australia tour.
