Nortje Makes Comeback
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been included in South Africa’s T20I squad for the five-match series in India, marking his first international appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados. His return headlines a near full-strength squad as South Africa prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Squad Leadership and Key Additions
Aiden Markram returns as T20I captain, while Temba Bavuma will lead the ODI squad. The T20I side also features the return of Quinton de Kock, who recently reversed his international retirements, along with Test regulars Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tristan Stubbs. New additions include Ottneil Baartman and Donovan Ferreira, offering fresh options in the squad.
Kagiso Rabada, recovering from a rib injury, will return home for a four-week rehabilitation after the Guwahati Test and is unavailable for the white-ball leg.
Squad Lists
South Africa ODI Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen
South Africa T20I Squad:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs
Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the tour’s importance for squad development:
“The T20I series in particular is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next year's T20 World Cup… We want to see more players stand up as we have been seeing so often over the past couple of years.”
Conrad also welcomed Nortje’s return:
“It's really good to welcome Anrich back into the T20I side after he missed the previous tours through injury. We know exactly what he brings so we're really looking forward to working with him.”
Tour Schedule
- ODIs: Ranchi, Raipur, Vizag (Nov 30 – Dec 6)
- T20Is: Cuttack, Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Ahmedabad (Dec 9 onwards)
The series provides South Africa with a chance to finalize combinations and roles ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup and shape the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.