Team India has touched down in Durban, South Africa, officially commencing their much-anticipated all-format tour. While eager fans were on hand to welcome the players, Mother Nature also had a surprise in store – a heavy downpour that sent the team scrambling for cover.
A video shared by BCCI captured scenes of Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and others shielding themselves with luggage as rain lashed down. The tour kicks off on December 10 with a three-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs starting on December 17.
South Africa bound ✈️🇿🇦#TeamIndia are here 👌👌#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/V2ES96GDw8
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 7, 2023
Notably, seasoned players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will be missing the white-ball leg of the tour. This presents an opportunity for young stars like Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked T20I batter, who will lead the T20I side, and KL Rahul, appointed captain for the ODIs. The squad also features exciting young talents like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Sai Sudarshan, and Rajat Patidar, who have earned call-ups for the ODI team.
ALSO READ: India Faces Uphill Battle In South Africa, Jacques Kallis Predicts Close Fight
The eyes of many fans will be on the two-match Test series, which holds immense historical significance. India has never triumphed in a Test series on South African soil, and this tour presents a golden opportunity to rewrite history. The red-ball leg begins on December 26 in Centurion, followed by the final Test in Cape Town on January 3.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has also announced their squads, welcoming young talent like fast bowler Nandre Burger and batters David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs with maiden Test call-ups. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne also makes a comeback, bolstering the South African team.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Future In T20Is Uncertain as BCCI Backs Ishan Kishan Eyes For No.3 Spot?
This all-format tour promises an enthralling clash between two cricketing giants. With India aiming to break their South African jinx in the Tests and South Africa determined to defend their home turf, the series is set to be a captivating spectacle for fans worldwide. Whether India can finally conquer South Africa or if the Proteas will continue their dominance remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the series promises fiery competition and heart-stopping moments as these two cricketing powerhouses battle it out.
