Deepak Chahar has pulled out of the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting Sunday in Johannesburg. The right-arm quick 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 Akash Deep as his replacement.
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami has not been cleared by the BCCI’s medical team and hence, has been ruled out of the 2-match Test series, starting December 26. The participation of Shami was subject to fitness but the Indian cricket board has confirmed that the pacer couldn’t retain his fitness on time. The 33-year-old ended the T20 World Cup 2023 as the highest wicket-taker, picking up 24 wickets in 7 matches.
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.
Shreyas Iyer to skip last 2 ODIs
Shreyas Iyer will unite with the Test squad after the first ODI in Johannesburg on Sunday. He will not be available for the second and third ODI and will take part in the inter-squad game.
Change in the coaching staff
As further stated by the BCCI, head coach Rahul Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathore, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach will link up with the Test squad and oversee their preparations for the inter-squad game and the Test series.
In their absence, the KL Rahul-led ODI team will be assisted by India A’s Coaching Staff comprising Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Rajib Datta and fielding coach Ajay Ratra.
Dravid’s decision to skip the ODIs indicates that the think tank wants to focus on the longest format, as the touring party is eager to secure a series victory in South Africa. In the previous tour in 2021-22, India won the first Test convincingly but succumbed to back-t-back defeats, losing the series 1-2.
After the first ODI in Johannesburg, the other two ODIs are scheduled to be played in Gqeberha on December 19 and Paarl on December 21. The two Tests are scheduled at Centurion from December 26 and Newlands in Cape Town from January 3.
