Johannesburg, Nov 21 (NationPress) Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has made his way back into South Africa's squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, scheduled from December 9-19. Meanwhile, batter Rubin Hermann has received a call-up for the ODI segment of the tour, which will occur from November 30 to December 6.

Nortje, aged 32, last played for South Africa during the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados in June 2024. The fast bowler returned to competitive cricket through the CSA T20 Challenge with the Dolphins, having fully recovered from a stress reaction injury that had kept him from participating in the Proteas’ tours to Zimbabwe, Australia, and England.

“We will certainly miss KG (Kagiso Rabada) on this tour. However, as demonstrated in our first Test victory over India, this squad possesses depth, which is among our primary objectives; to cultivate a unit comprising players capable of stepping up at any moment,” stated head coach Shukri Conrad.

“Every absence opens the opportunity for another player to shine. We aspire for more players to rise to the occasion, as we have witnessed frequently over the last couple of years.”

“Welcoming Anrich back into the T20I lineup is fantastic after he missed prior tours due to injury. We are fully aware of his contributions, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with him,” Conrad added.

Batter Hermann debuted in ODIs against Pakistan earlier this month. Temba Bavuma will captain the ODI squad against India in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Aiden Markram will return to lead the T20I side for matches in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad, with David Miller also rejoining the team while Ryan Rickelton has been left out.

“We are eagerly anticipating this white-ball tour for numerous reasons. The T20I series, in particular, provides a vital chance for us to finalize our squad ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup, which will also take place in India. Achieving clarity on combinations and roles now is essential as we progress towards that tournament,” remarked Conrad.

“In the 50-over format, these matches will offer us a clear understanding of our current position as a group and what we need to enhance as we prepare for the 2027 World Cup,” he further stated.

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, and 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, and Tristan Stubbs.