India squad for the three-match Test series against South Africa will be announced on December 4, during the third day’s play of the ongoing Third Test between India and Sri Lanka at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi. The news was confirmed during the Test match.
Out of the 15 players that are in the squad for the third Test, only Vijay Shankar is expected to be left out of the team with Hardik Pandya coming in.
One can expect the name of Jasprit Bumrah on the list, with him going with the team as the fifth pacer. Since selectors are expected to name a 17-member squad, Parthiv Patel might also make a comeback to the Test side as a reserve wicketkeeper.
Though Indian team has someone like KL Rahul, who can keep wickets, is yet to perform the duty at international level. Also, Parthiv Patel can bat at any position. Hence, his addition would be an advantage for the team.
In case selectors do not announce any back up for Saha, then they might retain Vijay Shankar in case they need an all-rounder as a backup or if they need one more pacer, then Delhi’s Navdeep Saini can be the one to get his maiden international call-up.
He has done well for India A in past few months, and his selection will not come as a surprise at all. An allrounder or a backup wicketkeeper might be preferred due to the presence of oodles of pacers in the team.
Along with the Test squad, the T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka will also be announced. Virat Kohli will highlight the meeting as reports had suggested that he will be confirming his availability to the selectors later.
If he plays, then he will captain the side while Rohit Sharma will make his T20I debut if Kohli opts to take rest.
Though if selectors decide to give Test players a rest, then the duty to lead the team in T20I format can fall on a new player.
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