India's squad for South Africa tour announced, No Rohit-Virat in white ball cricket, KL Rahul to lead ODI team

The Indian Cricket Board has announced the squads for India's upcoming tour of South Africa. After the Men’s Selection Committee convened in New Delhi on Thursday, the squad was finalised for the all-format tour. The tour will encompass three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches. Additionally, India A is set to engage in two four-day matches against South Africa A and an intriguing inter-squad three-day match.

In a notable development, both skipper Rohit Sharma and batter Virat Kohli have requested a break from the white-ball leg of the tour. Additionally, the squad announcement highlights the inclusion of pacer Mohammed Shami. His availability for the tour is contingent upon his fitness, as he is currently undergoing medical treatment.

Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the T20I squad in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The squad boasts the batting prowess of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal. The spin department is entrusted to the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja, with Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav offering variety. It's worth noting that Jadeja has been given the role of Suryakumar's deputy.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson make a comeback in ODIs

In the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma KL Rahul assumes the captaincy responsibilities for the ODIs. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. The bowling lineup includes the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, while Avesh Khan and Deepak Chahar will lead the pace attack. It's worth noting that Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh have received their maiden ODI call.

For the Test leg of the tour, skipper Rohit Sharma will make a comeback. He will lead a formidable squad featuring the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. The batting order showcases the blend of experience and youth, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and the dynamic Ishan Kishan donning the wicketkeeping gloves. The bowling department is spearheaded by the duo of Jasprit Bumrah (Vice Captain) and Ravichandran Ashwin, supported by the likes of Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, and the promising Prasidh Krishna.

Test Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna

ODI Squad: 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, and Deepak Chahar.

T20I Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar