India’s Full-Strength Squad for Test Series in South Africa
When the teams for the tour of South Africa are chosen in New Delhi on Thursday, a full-strength squad is probably going to be chosen for the longest format, as World Test Championship points are at stake.
For the trip of the Rainbow Nation, the senior selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will choose four teams: India A, India T20I team, India ODI team, and Indian Test team.
Virat Kohli has already notified the Indian board that he will play the two Test series beginning on December 26 in Centurion and Cape Town instead of participating in the white-ball portion of the tour.
In a bid to secure World Test Championship (WTC) points, the Indian cricket team is set to field a full-strength squad for the upcoming Test series in South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior selection committee will select four teams, including India A, India T20I team, India ODI team, and the Indian Test team for the tour. This decision comes as India aims to clinch their first-ever Test series victory in South Africa and improve their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
Test Cricket Takes Priority
With the importance of Test cricket in mind, the selection committee is expected to prioritize the longest format of the game. India has never managed to win a Test series in South Africa, making it a significant challenge for the team. A successful campaign would not only break this barrier but also enhance India’s chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time.
India’s regular captain, Virat Kohli, has already informed the BCCI that he will not be available for the white-ball leg of the tour. However, he will participate in the two-Test series scheduled to begin on December 26 in Centurion and Cape Town. The availability of Rohit Sharma, the vice-captain, for the white-ball matches is yet to be confirmed. However, he will be part of the Test squad later in the tour.
Managing Workload and Player Rotation
Considering the workload of the players, especially after a draining 50-over World Cup, the selection committee intends to rotate players across formats and provide them with enough breaks. It is crucial to protect the bowling attack, which features world-class pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. The board is cautious about overusing them to avoid potential injuries and fatigue.
The absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya due to unavailability raises questions about the captaincy of the T20I team. Suryakumar Yadav, who currently leads the Indian team in the ongoing T20I series against Australia, might continue as captain. However, the final decision will depend on the composition of the white-ball squads and the inclusion of more senior players.
Warm-up Game for Kohli
Considering Virat Kohli’s break from international cricket for over a month, the selectors will discuss whether he should participate in a warm-up game before the Test matches. This practice match would help him get back into the rhythm of competitive cricket and adjust to the conditions in South Africa. The aim is to ensure that Kohli is fully prepared to lead the team in the crucial Test series.
India A Team and Coaching Staff
Apart from the national teams, a few key players will be part of the India A team, especially those who are not selected for the T20I side. The India A team will be coached by Sitanshu Kotak and Troy Cooley. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman, who took over coaching duties for the ongoing T20I series against Australia, will return to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The Indian board has extended the tenures of key coaching staff, including head coach Rahul Dravid, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, batting coach Vikram Rathour, and fielding coach T Dilip. This decision aims to provide stability and continuity to the coaching setup ahead of the challenging South Africa tour.
Visa Applications and Departure
To ensure that the players reach South Africa as per schedule, the Indian board has already applied for visas for 45 Indian players. This proactive approach demonstrates the board’s commitment to meticulous planning and organization. The first batch of players will depart from Bengaluru on December 6, marking the beginning of an important tour for the Indian cricket team.
Conclusion
With the World Test Championship points at stake, India is set to field a full-strength squad for the Test series against South Africa. The selection committee will prioritize Test cricket and focus on building a strong team capable of winning the series, which has eluded India so far. The rotation of players and careful management of workload will be crucial in maintaining the team’s performance and avoiding injuries. As the players prepare to embark on this challenging tour, all eyes will be on India’s quest for victory in South Africa and their aspirations for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
