South Africa Squad for India T20 Series | Cricket South Africa Announces 16 Player Squad

South Africa’s white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, has unveiled a formidable 16-player squad for the much-anticipated Wonder Cement T20 International (T20I) series against India. This four-match series, which runs from November 8 to 15, 2023, marks the start of South Africa’s international home summer and provides a crucial stage for the Proteas to continue building toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Headlining the squad are seasoned T20 veterans Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, who return to the national T20I setup alongside left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Both Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen are also back in the squad, having completed their structured conditioning blocks and ready to bring their pace and all-round skills to the series.

Adding fresh energy to the team, World Sports Betting Western Province’s Mihlali Mpongwana has earned his first call-up. The 24-year-old all-rounder impressed during this season’s CSA T20 Challenge, finishing as one of the leading wicket-takers with 12 wickets at an average of 14.08. Joining Mpongwana is the uncapped all-rounder Andile Simelane from Hollywoodbets Dolphins, who was part of the UAE tour squad in September.

South Africa’s T20I Squad:

• Aiden Markram (C)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Gerald Coetzee
• Donovan Ferreira
• Reeza Hendricks
• Marco Jansen
• Heinrich Klaasen
• Patrick Kruger
• Keshav Maharaj
• David Miller
• Mihlali Mpongwana
• Nqaba Peter
• Ryan Rickelton
• Andile Simelane
• Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is)
• Tristan Stubbs

Key Absences and Strategic Choices

While the squad is stacked with talent, South Africa will be missing two key bowlers. Kagiso Rabada has been rested to manage his workload, while Lungi Ngidi is undergoing a conditioning block in preparation for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Lutho Sipamla, who last represented South Africa in early 2021, returns for the third and fourth T20Is after a successful CSA T20 Challenge campaign, where he recorded a career-best 4 for 12 in the final match.

“We’re bringing together a mix of youth and experience,” commented head coach Rob Walter. “This series offers our emerging talent a chance to prove themselves on the international stage against a formidable Indian side. We are building our depth as we gear up for future World Cup competitions, and I am excited to see what these players will bring.”

Coach Walter emphasized the strategic focus on developing a strong, versatile team capable of competing on the world stage. “We aim to play cricket that excites our fans and brings wins for South Africa. This series against India is a valuable opportunity to test our players against top-tier competition, helping us broaden the base of internationally ready talent.”

As the Proteas prepare to host a powerful Indian lineup, this series offers not only a preview of South Africa’s summer but also an insight into the nation’s next wave of T20 stars. Fans can expect a blend of exciting newcomers, seasoned performers, and a strategic approach that sets the stage for a competitive, action-packed T20 showdown.

India’s T20I Squad:

• 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

India is set to face South Africa in a highly anticipated four-match T20 series, marking their first meeting since the memorable T20 World Cup final that drew global attention. This time, however, India will be without key senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. Stepping in as captain is Suryakumar Yadav, who brings his dynamic and aggressive style to lead a younger, yet promising, Indian side. The team includes an exciting mix of fresh talent and experienced players, with notable names like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma, all of whom have shown immense potential in recent domestic and IPL matches.

Supporting Yadav is a balanced squad with two wicketkeeper options, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, who will add depth to the middle order. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel bring essential all-round capabilities, while the bowling unit features rising stars like Arshdeep Singh and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, alongside new additions Varun Chakaravarthy and Vijaykumar Vyshak. This T20 series is a crucial opportunity for India’s next-generation players to showcase their abilities on the international stage and cement their places in the lineup.

Schedule for the South Africa vs India Wonder Cement T20I series, with match timings in both South African and Indian Standard Time.

South Africa vs India T20I Series Schedule:

1. Friday, 08 November

   • South Africa Time: 17:00 SAST
   • India Time: 20:30 IST
   • Venue: Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

2. Sunday, 10 November

   • South Africa Time: 16:00 SAST
   • India Time: 19:30 IST
   • Venue: Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha

3. Wednesday, 13 November

   • South Africa Time: 17:00 SAST
   • India Time: 20:30 IST
   • Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

4. Friday, 15 November

   • South Africa Time: 17:00 SAST
   • India Time: 20:30 IST
   • Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Each match provides a primetime opportunity for fans in both countries to enjoy the highly anticipated series.