The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced significant changes to India's squads for the upcoming series against South Africa.
Pacer Mohammed Shami, whose inclusion in the Test series was provisional pending fitness clearance, failed to regain fitness in time. Consequently, he has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against South Africa scheduled to commence on December 26.
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The BCCI medical team did not clear Shami for participation, and the decision was communicated through an official release.
"Mr Mohd Shami, whose participation in the Test series was subject to fitness has not been cleared by the BCCI Medical Team and the fast bowler is ruled out of the two Tests," stated the release.
In addition to Shami, there was a change in the One Day International (ODI) squad. Medium pacer Deepak Chahar withdrew from the ODI series due to a family emergency. He was replaced by Akash Deep, who was already in South Africa as part of the India A side.
"Mr Deepak Chahar has informed the BCCI that he will not be available for the upcoming ODI series due to a family medical emergency. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr Akash Deep as his replacement," it added.
What is India's updated ODI squad for South Africa?
India’s updated 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
- Akash Deep
Meanwhile, batter Shreyas Iyer's availability for the series-opening ODI on December 17 was confirmed.
However, after the conclusion of the first ODI in Johannesburg, Iyer will join the Test squad to prepare for the Test series. Notably, he won't be available for the second and third ODIs and will participate in an inter-squad game.
Rahul Dravid to look over the Test team; not available for ODIs
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Team India, along with the batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T. Dilip, will not be with the ODI squad. Instead, they will join the Test squad to oversee preparations for the upcoming red-ball matches.
As part of the coaching adjustments, the ODI team will be supported by India A’s Coaching Staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Rajib Datta, and fielding coach Ajay Ratra.
"Team India (Senior Men) Head Coach Mr Rahul Dravid, Batting Coach Mr Vikram Rathour, Bowling Coach Mr Paras Mhambrey and Fielding Coach Mr T. Dilip will link up with the Test squad and oversee their preparations for the inter-squad game and the Test series. The ODI team will be assisted by India A’s Coaching Staff comprising Batting Coach Mr Sitanshu Kotak, Bowling Coach Mr Rajib Datta and Fielding Coach Mr Ajay Ratra," BCCI said.
To prepare for the Boxing Day Test, India is scheduled to play an inter-squad match in Pretoria between December 20-22. Notably, key players like Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and R Ashwin have already departed for South Africa and are expected to participate in the practice game.
This strategic reshuffling of coaching staff emphasizes the focused preparation for the Test series, underlining the importance of specialized coaching for different formats of the game.
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