South Africa have recalled veteran Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen to strengthen their batting unit for the upcoming three-match One Day International series against India. Left-arm spinner George Linde has also been drafted into the 15-member squad in place of first-choice spinner Tabraiz Shamsi as he awaits the birth of his child.
The former Proteas skipper returns to action for the first time since the ICC World Cup 2019 in England. Faf du Plessis was rested for the home series against England and Australia and will look to get into the groove from the onset. During this period, du Plessis has stepped down from captaincy and handed it to Quinton de Kock.
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On the other hand, Rassie van der Dussen, who cemented his spot in the middle order last year, featured in the ODIs against England but has been rested for the ongoing series against Australia. It will be a tough ask for the middle-order batsman against the Indian spinners on turning tracks.
Heinrich Klaasen, who registered his first ODI century and debutant Kyle Verreynne, who made a vital contribution in their side's impressive win over Australia in the first ODI have retained their spot in the squad. Keshav Maharaj and Lutho Sipamla have also made it into the squad which will take a flight to the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile, Janneman Malan, who made his debut in the first ODI has been dropped.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Independent Selector, Linda Zondi expressed that they are happy to face this problem of plenty. He also seemed satisfied with the squad and is hopeful for a positive result.
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"It is exciting to see the amount of competition for spots that we have within the team and in the franchises, it's a good headache for us as selectors to have," Linda said. "We are satisfied with our picks for what will certainly be a challenging tour of India," he added.
Here is the South Africa squad for India ODIs:
Quinton de Kock (C & WK), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lundi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj
