SA v IND 2023-24: India’s Cricket Board to Seek Rohit Sharma’s Leadership for T20Is in South Africa
Team India will travel to South Africa for an all-format tour, playing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests against the Proteas from December 10 to January 7. The squads for the tour will be selected on Thursday (November 30).
Ahead of the multiple squad announcements, reports suggest that the BCCI will look to convince Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the shortest format on the tour of South Africa. The BCCI is reportedly considering Suryakumar Yadav as a potential captain if Rohit declines the role. Hardik Pandya is expected to remain out of action for another month due to an ankle ligament tear.
The BCCI is reportedly considering Rohit Sharma to continue leading the team in white-ball cricket until the T20 World Cup 2024, despite his past reluctance to play the shortest format. If Rohit declines the role, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to take over as captain for the T20Is in South Africa.
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has sought a break from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour.
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“The selection of star batter Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup will depend on his performance in the IPL. The same applies to KL Rahul, who will only be considered for T20Is if he performs well as a wicketkeeper-batter for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Workload management is also a major concern, as India is scheduled to play six white-ball matches in 11 days on the South Africa tour, followed by the Test series.
“The BCCI has always prioritized white-ball formats that have a global tournament in the next six months. ODIs are considered the third priority after the World Cup, and three ODIs is a significant number,” a source said.
Therefore, if Rohit Sharma leads the T20Is, he might take a break to prepare for the Tests. This decision will be made by the sports science team,” the source added.
The Indian Test team is expected to see the return of Rahul and Shreyas Iyer after their extended absence due to injury. Ajinkya Rahane is likely to be dropped from the squad, while Cheteshwar Pujara’s chances of selection are slim.
Rahane’s chances of selection could hinge on Rahul taking over wicketkeeping duties in Tests, allowing for an additional batsman in the squad. However, the selection committee may be hesitant to back Rahane at 35. If Rahul does take on wicketkeeping duties, it would allow both him and Iyer to be included in the starting lineup.
Fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has demonstrated his fitness and expressed his desire to continue playing Test cricket. Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur are also among the fast bowling options for the squad. Mukesh Kumar, who impressed everyone in his maiden Test series against West Indies earlier this year, is likely to retain his place in the squad as a backup pacer.
As anticipated, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be the preferred spinner for overseas conditions, while R Ashwin and either Akshar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav will round out the spin bowling department. KS Bharat could be included in the squad if Rahul declines to take on wicketkeeping duties.
(With PTI Inputs)
