In a significant boost to their bowling attack, South Africa has included fast bowler Anrich Nortje in their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of India, marking his return to international cricket for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Nortje, who has been recovering from a stress fracture, has been proving his fitness in the domestic T20 Challenge. His selection signals that the Proteas are keen to reintegrate him ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Squad Shake-ups: De Kock In, Rickelton Out
The squad announcements also revealed some tough selection calls, particularly in the T20I format.
- T20I Squad: The return of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has left no room for the in-form Ryan Rickelton. De Kock’s impressive record in India (average 50.88, strike rate 142.23) likely tipped the scales in his favor. David Miller also makes a welcome comeback to the T20I side.
- ODI Squad: Regular captain Temba Bavuma returns to lead the 50-over side after an injury layoff. Tristan Stubbs has been dropped from the ODI squad, while wicketkeeper Rubin Hermann retains his place.
A Glimpse at the Squads
South Africa’s ODI Squad vs India:
Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen
South Africa’s T20I Squad vs India:
Aiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj
Test Series Update
In the ongoing Test series, South Africa, holding an unassailable 1-0 lead, won the toss in the second Test in Guwahati and opted to bat first. India, captained by Rishabh Pant, made two changes, bringing in B Sai Sudharsan for the injured Shubman Gill and Nitish Kumar Reddy for Axar Patel to balance the side.
The return of Anrich Nortje adds a crucial X-factor to South Africa’s pace attack for the white-ball leg, setting the stage for a highly competitive series against a strong Indian side.
*The five T20Is will be held from December 9-19, following a three-match ODI series.*
