Mohammed Shami, India’s best bowler from the recently concluded ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, will not play in the two-Test series against South Africa, which begins on December 26. A press statement from the Indian cricket governing body states that Mohammed Shami, whose participation in the Test series was contingent upon his fitness, has not received clearance from the BCCI Medical Team. Despite missing the first four matches of the Cricket World Cup, Mohammed Shami finished with 24 scalps, making him the leading wicket-taker.
Other significant changes pertaining to India’s touring side in South Africa were also made. India and South Africa will play three ODIs after India and South Africa drew the T20I series 1-1. The coaching staff of India A, which includes Mr. Ajay Ratra as the fielding coach, Mr. Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, and Rajib Datta as the bowling coach, will support the ODI team.
Team India (Senior Men) head coach Rahul Dravid, batting coach MVikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach Mr T. Dilip will work with the Test squad and oversee their preparations for the inter-squad game and the Test series.
Shreyas Iyer will join the Test squad to get ready for the Test series once the first ODI in Johannesburg concludes on December 17. He will play in the inter-squad match but won’t be eligible for the second or third ODI.
Meanwhile, 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.
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
