The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squad for India’s forthcoming series against South Africa in 2023, encompassing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches set to commence on December 10. Notably, Rohit Sharma, despite being offered T20 captaincy, has opted for a break from white-ball cricket, with Jasprit Bumrah designated as his deputy for the two Tests starting December 26.
Acknowledging Virat Kohli’s request for a limited-overs hiatus, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul will lead the national team in T20Is and ODIs, respectively. The ongoing T20I series against Australia sees Suryakumar Yadav captaining the Indian team. Hardik Pandya’s automatic inclusion as T20 captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup is uncertain, contingent on Rohit Sharma’s decision to participate, as he currently enjoys a holiday in the UK.
The ODI squad features several players distinct from the Test and T20I lineups, with only Shreyas Iyer, Mukesh Kumar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad featuring in all three formats. Axar Patel is excluded from the T20 squad, and Ravindra Jadeja assumes the role of T20 vice-captain for the series. Notably, Kona Bharat is omitted from the Test squad, as KL Rahul takes up wicketkeeping duties.
Test squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), and Prasidh Krishna.
ODI Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Captain), Sanju Samson, 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 (Captain), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Deepak Chahar.
Recent reports suggest that Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, following their Test performances, may have concluded their Test careers. The slots previously held by Rahane and Pujara are now filled by Rahul and Iyer, while Gill is expected to bat in the middle order, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is anticipated to have an extended run in the team.
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