IND vs SA: Team India’s upcoming tour of South Africa this month promises cricketing action across all formats. The squad for this high-stakes tour was unveiled by the Indian selectors on the evening of November 30. To the surprise of many, the Test squad for the South Africa series does not feature the seasoned veterans, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
Before the official announcement of the Test squad, fans had high hopes that the stalwarts of Indian cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, would secure spots on the team for this crucial Test series. However, the selectors have opted to provide opportunities to promising young talents instead.
IND vs SA: Cheteshwar Pujara’s absence from the squad marks a continuation of the trend seen during the West Indies tour following the 2023 World Test Championship final. Ajinkya Rahane, too, has now been omitted from the Indian team’s lineup. In place of Pujara, the young and dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal has earned a place in the squad, while Shreyas Iyer has been selected in Rahane’s stead.
Both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have enjoyed illustrious Test careers, contributing significantly to memorable victories for Team India. Pujara has amassed an impressive 7195 runs in 103 Tests, boasting an average of 43.61, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Rahane has accumulated 5077 runs in 85 Test matches at an average of 38.46, featuring 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
IND vs SA: The omission of these two cricketing legends from Team India’s South Africa series squad has led fans to speculate about the dwindling prospects of their Test careers. As the torch is passed to the next generation, Rohit Sharma will lead a 15-member squad featuring a blend of experience and youth:
Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Shubman Gill
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ishan Kishan (Wicket-Keeper)
KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravindra Jadeja
Shardul Thakur
Mohammed Siraj
Mukesh Kumar
Mohammed Shami
Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain)
Prasidh Krishna
IND vs SA: As Team India prepares for its South African challenge, the absence of Pujara and Rahane marks the end of an era, while a new chapter begins with fresh faces eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Image Credit – outlookindia
